(KLZA)-- An effort to recall Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson has failed.

While there were 379 signatures collected on petitions for the recall, Nemaha County Clerk Diane Johnson released a statement noting that due to material irregularities by the circulators, 12 of the 21 circulated petitions were determined to be invalid because they were not notarized, thus resulting in an insufficient number of signatures to force a recall election.

By order of the Election Commissioner, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation to determine who was circulating petitions.

Another recall effort cannot be initiated because it is less than six months before the next regular election of the Mayor in Auburn.

Amanda Powell initiated the recall effort in Auburn.