Recall of elected Town officers. That an affidavit signed by at least
2000 registered voters, including 15 from each precinct, be filed
with the Town Clerk containing the name and title of the Elected Town
Officer whose removal is sought.
If the affidavit is determined to be valid, the Town Clerk shall
thereupon deliver to the first 10 names on the affidavit a blank petition
form to be used for the collection of petition signatures. The petitions
forms must be returned to the Town Clerk within 20 days of their issuance
and must contain the signatures of at least 20% of the number of persons
registered to vote as of the date of the most recent town election.
If the petition is determined to be valid, provision shall be
made for a special recall election to be held within 90 days but no
sooner than 65 days thereafter, except in the event that a regular
town election or other special election shall be held within 110 days,
in which case the recall election shall be held concurrently.
Ballots used in a recall election shall ask if the Elected Town
Officer named shall be recalled, and shall provide the names of candidates
seeking the office of the Officer recalled. An Officer whose recall
is sought shall not be a candidate to succeed to the office in the
event the recall vote is in the affirmative. The nomination of other
candidates, the publication of the warrant for the recall election
and the conduct of the same shall all be in accordance with the provisions
of this Charter and general laws regulating elections.
If the votes cast upon the question of recall is in the affirmative,
the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared
elected and shall serve the balance of the unexpired term, provided
that at least 20% of those persons registered to vote at the time
of the election shall have voted with respect to the question of the
recall. If the Officer is recalled, he shall be deemed removed from
office upon certification of the election results.
No recall petitions shall be filed against Officers during the
first six months of their term or during the final six months of their
term, or in the case of an Officer subject to a recall election and
not recalled thereby, until at least 6 months after the recall election.
[Amended by Town Meeting 10-18-2011, approved by voters 4-3-2012]