York County clerk approves recall petition gunning for Commissioner LeRoy Ott

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A recall special election will take place in York County for the District 2 county commissioner seat.

The York County Clerk’s Office on Friday said it certified enough signatures on a petition asking for the recall of Commissioner LeRoy Ott.

Now the county commissioners need to approve the special election, with a date tentatively set for Nov. 11.

Once that happens, the clerk’s office will ask for permission from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office to hold the election via mail.

That means all registered voters in the district would receive ballots in the mail, which have to be returned to the clerk’s office by the end of the workday on Nov. 11.

If the majority votes to recall Ott, a committee consisting of the county attorney, treasurer and clerk will appoint someone to fill his term.

Interested candidates would be able to submit applications.

SEE ALSO: ‘I hope I can continue the job’: York County commissioner responds to recall effort

Julia Wellman, a District 2 resident, filed the recall petition against Ott in July.

Her statement cited “Perceived lack of trust in his ability to lead effectively.”

In August, Ott responded to the recall petition.

“I enjoy working to move York County forward, making decisions with information I’m given,” he said in his formal response. “If trust or confidence has been broken with some, I hope I can continue the job and restore that trust. I take seriously the job of serving all of York County.”

Ott was appointed to represent District 2 on the Board of Commissioners in 2024 and was elected to a full term later that year.