MassachusettsMiddleton voters could seek recall elections for elected officials
Middleton voters could ask the Select Board for a recall election by filing a petition that names an elected official and gives grounds for removal.
What it does
Middleton voters could seek a recall election for elected town officers and the town’s regional school committee members. The petition needs signatures from at least 12% of voters registered at the last regular municipal election.
Argument forVoters could seek to remove an elected official by filing a petition that names the official and states their reasons.
Argument againstThe 12% signature threshold could make it harder for residents to start a recall vote, especially when turnout at the last municipal election was low.
More detail
The proposed charter text would let Middleton voters seek a special election to recall certain elected officials. It covers elected town officers and Middleton members of the regional school committee. A voter must file a petition with the Select Board naming the official and stating the grounds for removal. The petition must have signatures from at least 12% of voters registered at the last regular municipal election. The text says a petition may not be filed until the officer has held office before the recall vote; that wording is unclear. The text says the recall vote would be called and run like a special election.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 1Amended by substitution of bill with the same title, see H5684Latest
- Oct 1Read thirdMinor
- Sep 8Read second and ordered to a third readingMinor
- Sep 8Rules suspended
- Sep 8Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
- Sep 3Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and SchedulingMinor
- Jul 21Hearing rescheduled to 07/21/2026 from 01:00 PM-02:20 PM in A-1 Hearing updated to New End Time
- Jul 9Hearing rescheduled to 07/21/2026 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-1 Hearing updated to include Virtual
- Jun 30Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2026 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-1
- Jun 4Senate concurred
- May 28Referred to the committee on Election LawsIntroduced
Civil Rights & Voting