Hollywood Popular Artists

Jul 23rd 2012, 20:26

45 million 18-29 year olds will be eligible to vote in this year's presidential election, representing the largest potential voting bloc in the country. Learn more about the issues, register to vote and get involved with MTV's Power of 12. Today, we've got another "Jargon Buster" for you.

recall (noun): a special election allowing voters the opportunity to remove a politician from office before his or her term has officially ended

As a verb and in a nonpolitical sense, "to recall" most generally means "to remember." It can, however, also mean "to revoke." It's this latter sense with which we're concerned. Here in America, we've successfully employed the recall option for a solid 100 years. Of course, it's not the preferred method; the ideal scenario would be getting the right person into office the first go around. The democratic way, however, is designed to ensure checks and balances, at least some level of accountability. Just as a President can be impeached under extenuating circumstances, a mayor or legislator or school board member or any elected official can be put back on the ballot if enough concerned citizens petition for a do-over.

One recent recall election that made mega-headlines was Republican Scott Walker's. The Wisconsin Governor garnered so much criticism during his first year in office that disapproving residents were able to force a new vote just last month. As it turns out, despite their opposition, those less-than-pleased voters were still outnumbered by Walker's supporters, and the fella got to keep his seat as state head honcho.

So, you see, the recall doesn't always mean questionable characters will lose their jobs.

Last year in the United States, 75 people were successfully recalled; 75 were put to recall vote but, like Gov. Walker, were not recalled.

Sometimes officials will resign under the threat of recall. (That happened 9 times last year.)

All of the above guarantee sensational headlines, rapt spectators and heaps of hoopla. Such is the American way.

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