Which action enables voters to remove elected officials from office?

The correct choice is the action known as a recall. A recall is a political process that allows voters to remove elected officials from office before their term has ended. This process typically involves gathering a certain number of signatures from registered voters on a petition, sufficient to trigger a special election. In this election, the electorate then votes on whether to remove the official from office or allow them to remain.

This mechanism exemplifies direct democracy, giving citizens a direct way to hold elected officials accountable for their actions while in office. Recall efforts are often initiated in response to actions taken by elected officials that may be deemed objectionable or unpopular with their constituents.

In contrast, a referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can lead to the adoption of new legislation or policy without necessarily involving the removal of an elected official. Legislation refers to the process of making or enacting laws but does not pertain to the removal of officials. An initiative allows voters to propose legislation or constitutional amendments to be enacted through a vote, again not focused on removing officials from office.