New Orleans residents are collecting signatures as part of an effort to recall Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.
Organizers launched the recall effort last week. They need 600,000 valid signatures from registered Louisiana voters by October for the effort to move forward.
“We are about to celebrate our 250th birthday as a country, and the last thing I want to see is moves that bring us anti-democratic,” Jefferson Parish resident Danny Abramowizc said.
Two Baton Rouge residents started the petition. They say the recall effort stems from what they describe as a pattern of actions and public statements by Landry that undermine fair representation.
They also argue state leaders are focused too much on punishment and not enough on long-term solutions for Louisiana communities.
The petition was filed shortly after Landry suspended the House primary election. That move followed a Supreme Court ruling that found the state’s congressional map unconstitutional.
“They thought we were powerless. This is showing we have the power. It has been white, black, all people have been coming here,” Malik Rahim, with the Gwangi and Hollywood Community Center, said.
Organizers plan to collect signatures Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gwangi and Hollywood Community Center at 1529 Newton St. in Algiers.
A recall rally is also scheduled for Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howlin’ Wolf at 907 S. Peters St. in New Orleans.
WDSU reached out to the governor’s office for a response but has not heard back.
READ MORE:Organizers hold New Orleans events for Gov. Jeff Landry recall petition
