Bill > H4202

This bill establishes a detailed recall process for elected officials in the city of Chicopee, Massachusetts, allowing voters to remove an official from office before their term ends. For city-wide elected positions, at least 2,000 registered voters must file an initial recall affidavit, while for ward-specific elected positions, at least 500 voters from that ward can initiate the recall. After the registrar verifies the initial signatures, the city clerk provides recall petition sheets to the first 10 signers, who then have 30 days to collect signatures from at least 25 percent of registered voters in the city or ward. If sufficient signatures are verified, the city council must order a recall election within 90 days, which can be coordinated with another scheduled election. The recall ballot will include two propositions: one for recalling the official and one against, along with a list of candidates who can potentially replace the official. An official cannot be subjected to a recall attempt within six months of taking office or during the last six months of their term, and if an initial recall attempt fails, another cannot be filed for at least three months. The bill will take effect only after being approved by a majority of qualified Chicopee voters at a municipal election.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4202