Sudbury voters could seek recall elections for town officials

Sudbury voters could seek a recall election for an official elected by town voters. The process covers any official elected solely by Sudbury voters. The initial affidavit must have at least 250 voter signatures and state the grounds for recall. It cannot be filed during the official’s first three months in office or final six months of the term. The initial affidavit cannot be filed within three months after the official takes office or during the final six months of the term.

The Select Board would order a recall election if the official does not resign after notice. The process applies after the Registrars certify that a recall petition has enough registered-voter signatures. The petition needs signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters, based on the most recent regular town election, and must be returned within 28 days after it is issued. If a majority votes against recall, votes for candidates have no legal effect. If a majority favors recall, the candidate with the most votes is elected. The Select Board must order the election 65 to 100 days after the Town Clerk certifies the petition. The official stays in office until the recall election.

A recalled official, or one who resigns while a recall petition is pending, could not be appointed to a town office for two years. The restriction applies to an official recalled from office or resigning while a recall petition is pending. The two-year period runs after the recall or resignation.