Whitehall City Council sets May 28 recall election for Mayor Michael Bivens and two councilmembers after heated debate over timing and voter concerns.
Whitehall sets recall election date for 3 Whitehouse City Officials
The Whitehall City Council has officially scheduled a special recall election following days of tense debate, setting the stage for voters to decide the political future of Mayor Michael Bivens and councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar.
During a contentious special meeting on Tuesday night, councilmembers voted 4-3 to hold the election on Thursday, May 28. The decision went against the recommendation of the Franklin County Board of Elections, which had advised setting the vote for Tuesday, May 26, in line with traditional election scheduling.
Board of Elections Director Antone White emphasized that Tuesday elections are standard and more familiar to voters. However, some councilmembers pushed for the later date, citing concerns from residents about voting immediately after the Memorial Day holiday.
Elmore criticized the move, arguing that shifting the election to a Thursday could create confusion among voters. In contrast, Harcar dismissed concerns about timing, suggesting that most voters have already made up their minds regardless of the date.
Councilmember Larry Morrison, who introduced the May 28 proposal, said he was responding to feedback from constituents uneasy about voting right after the holiday weekend. Meanwhile, councilmember Gerald Dixon defended the council’s authority to revisit and decide the election date through debate and majority vote.
Election officials warned that moving the election to Thursday will reduce early voting by two days due to the shortened timeline. Despite this, absentee voting by mail will still be available, though requests must be submitted by May 21.
The recall effort itself has sparked further division. Harcar suggested her advocacy work with immigrant communities has contributed to the push against her. Petition organizers, however, have pointed to broader concerns, including leadership decisions, transparency, community development, and fiscal management.
Mayor Bivens did not attend the meeting, but Elmore defended his record, disputing claims made by recall supporters. She highlighted the city’s financial position, noting a $1.5 million budget stabilization fund alongside a $5.7 million operating budget.
All five polling locations in Whitehall will be open on Election Day. However, voter registration has already closed, meaning only currently registered voters will be eligible to participate in the upcoming recall election.
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