On December 18, voters in Cleveland's Ward 14 will decide whether to recall Joe Santiago, the city's second Hispanic Councilman.
The recall election was set in motion by Cleveland's first Hispanic council member, Nelson Cintron -- who lost the seat to Santiago two years ago by 106 votes.
Cintron's recall affadavit accuses Santiago of going back on a promise to move to the ward if elected -- which isn't required by the city charter -- and ignoring residents objections to a new bar in the neighborhood. Santiago says the recall is Cintron's way of regaining the job he lost in a fair fight. If the recall is approved, a special election will be held to fill Santiago's term, which expires in 2010. Both men are eligible to run.
As with all Cuyahoga County elections, absentee applications can be picked up at the elections board office, downloaded from its website or received by mail. Applications must be returned to the board by noon Saturday. Completed ballots must be turned in by mail or in person by 7:30 p.m. election day. Mail ballots aren't accepted at the polls.