Windham residents did not vote on a town council recall ordinance Nov. 4, but due to the work of some volunteers at the polls last week, the issue may be on a future ballot.

A group of citizens last week submitted to Town Clerk Linda Morrell a petition regarding a recall ordinance for town officials. Their aim was 1,335 signatures, the number needed to place the question on next November’s ballot, said Cedric Harkins, one of the volunteers behind the drive.

“They are still trying to count all the signatures. I think we should have enough,” he said Tuesday. “We still have time to collect more signatures if necessary.”

If ultimately successful on the ballot, the recall ordinance would allow five or more registered voters to initiate the recall process in writing. Then, signatures representing 20 percent of the number of residents who voted in the last gubernatorial election would have to be gathered in support of the recall within 60 days.

If the signatures are certified, a town-wide vote would take place on the recall of the official. A successful recall would then set up a special election.

“Some people felt that there should be more control over government and some manner of more accountability with our officials,” said Harkins.

In the ordinance, which was created using examples from other Maine cities and towns, specific acts warranting recall are not listed.

“There is nothing that said it has to be a certain act or anything of that nature,” Harkins said.

Two current councilors, Carol Waig and Donna Chapman, said they supported the creation of a recall ordinance.

“I support it as it gives the citizens of Windham a voice and more control over their local government which they do not have at the present time,” Waig said.

A recall is democracy in action, Chapman said, as long as it is used to take out a poor public official rather than settle a personal grudge. She also urged people to take part in town government.

“I wish those same people who signed the petitions would step up and run for Town Council, help volunteer for the town and make a difference in our community,” she said.