(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)

The Coalition to Recall Diane Douglas gathered signatures Saturday, and gave out fliers across the state.

The group trying to recall state Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas held what it called a “Day of Action” this weekend, with signatures being gathered in more than a dozen cities across the state.

The Coalition to Recall Diane Douglas says she’s inexperienced and in a legal fight that’s costing the state tens of thousands of dollars. So more than 1,000 volunteers spent hours Saturday collecting signatures at libraries, post offices, and craft fairs from Bisbee to Bullhead City.

In central Phoenix, volunteer Ruth Murphy was stationed outside a popular coffee house.

"Many people are aware of the situation," she said. "And are very pleased to find a petition that they can sign."

Murphy said she was impressed by how many older people were signing the petition, since they don't have children in the school system. But retired herself, she understands, saying she's an "advocate for education."

"And I'm a child of the '60s," she said. "And if I see that something isn't right, then we need to do something about it."

Murphy said the coalition has been collecting signatures since Sept. 1, and needs more than 360,000 before the end of the year. If they reach their goal, then voters will decide whether Douglas stays or goes.