While recalls have become a popular political weapon across the Unied States in recent years, including threats against six governors this year alone, Georgia has mainly stayed on the sidelines. Despite being one of 19 states that allow the recall against governors and other state level officials, Georgia has rarely seen the recall deployed.

Now, after the delayed investigation and his failure to prosecute three individuals in the shooting death of jogger Ahmaud Arbery, Waycross Circuit District Attorney George Barnhill is facing a recall effort. Due to the particulars of Georgia law, getting a recall on the ballot is a challenge. But as history shows, once an election is called, there is an excellent chance at success.

Over the last nine years, Georgia has seen very few recalls get to the ballot—the only one that I've tracked was against Meigs Mayor Linda Eason-Harris in 2016, who was kicked out after being indicted on charges of theft and misusing public funds. Prior to that, you have to go back to Lithonia Mayor Joyce McKibben, who was removed in a 2008 recall.  There have been plenty of attempts. Last year, following racially provocative comments and discriminatory hiring policies, Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly and City Councilman Jim Cleveland resigned rather than face the voters.