Canyon County Clerk denies new recall effort targeting two Caldwell city council members

Recall petitions found to have multiple issues, including improper formatting and invalid signatures.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government building interior, with warm light streaming through the windows and long shadows cast across the floor, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic unease.The denied recall effort reflects the ongoing tensions in Caldwell over development and local governance, as community members seek greater influence over city decisions.Caldwell Today

Recall efforts targeting two sitting Caldwell city council members have been denied after county officials found multiple problems with the petitions. The Canyon County Clerk's Office confirmed it received the recall petitions on April 10 seeking to remove Councilmembers Scott Tilmant and Mike Dittenber from office, but after a preliminary review, the clerk determined the petitions did not meet requirements under Idaho law and denied them.

Why it matters

This recall effort is the latest in a series of community disputes over development decisions and city leadership in Caldwell. The denied petitions highlight the strict legal requirements for recall efforts in Idaho, and the ongoing tensions between some residents and local officials over issues like a controversial hotel project and a railroad quiet zone.

The details

The recall petitions cited concerns over development decisions and city leadership, but the Canyon County Clerk found multiple issues, including improper formatting, more signature lines per page than allowed, and language setting specific recall election dates which is not permitted under state law. The petition targeting Councilmember Tilmant also included signatures collected before the legally permitted circulation period, making them invalid.

  • The recall petitions were filed with the Canyon County Clerk's Office on April 10, 2026.
  • The clerk's office denied the petitions on April 14, 2026, citing the various legal issues with the filings.

The players

Jess Urresti

The Canyon County Clerk who reviewed and denied the recall petitions.

Scott Tilmant

A Caldwell city council member targeted by the recall effort.

Mike Dittenber

A Caldwell city council member targeted by the recall effort.

Jeanne Cridebring

A Caldwell community member who filed the recall petitions.

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What they’re saying

“Recall efforts targeting two sitting Caldwell city council members have been denied after county officials found multiple problems with the petitions.”

— Jess Urresti, Canyon County Clerk

What’s next

Organizers may submit new petitions that comply with state requirements in order to restart the recall process.

The takeaway

This denied recall effort highlights the strict legal standards for recall elections in Idaho, and the ongoing community tensions in Caldwell over development decisions and city leadership. While this particular recall attempt was unsuccessful, the underlying issues that motivated it are likely to continue being a source of debate and activism in the city.