Bill > H838

This bill authorizes a special election in the city of Methuen to fill a vacancy in the Office of Mayor, establishing specific guidelines for the election process. The bill allows the City Council to call a special election that must be held between 64 days after the call and no later than December 14, 2024, which deviates from the city's standard charter provisions. Candidates for the mayoral position will be required to obtain at least 150 voter signatures to be placed on the official ballot. The special election will follow most existing city charter and legal procedures, with one key exception: no preliminary election will be held. The bill includes a provision to retroactively validate any actions taken consistent with the bill if it is not in effect by October 7, 2024, and it will take effect immediately upon passage. This legislation provides a clear, time-bound process for filling the mayoral vacancy in Methuen, ensuring that the city can quickly and legally elect a new mayor through a special election.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H838