SPRINGFIELD – Following the murder of Sonya Massey at the hands of a Sangamon County deputy sheriff, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure through the Senate that would allow Sangamon County to put a recall process in place for countywide elected officials.

“Alongside Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses and community relations,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The commission, comprised of community members, supported this initiative. Not only as an elected official, but also having a generational relationship with the Massey family, I have been working tirelessly since the horrific incident to make sure our community’s voices are heard.”

Senate Bill 1954 would allow the Sangamon County Board to put a recall process referendum on the ballot for the 2026 General Election. If approved, petitions to recall an elected official must be signed by at least 15% of the total votes cast for governor in the last election in the county. The petitions must be collected within 150 days and cannot be filed in the first or last six months of a term. The Sangamon County Board voted in January to support Senate Bill 1954.

“I want to thank Senator Doris Turner for the enormous effort to move this recommendation of the Massey Commission through the State Senate,” said Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter. 
“When Senator Turner’s bill becomes law, I believe there is widespread support on the county board to put the question of recall before the voters of Sangamon County.”

Senate Bill 1954 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.