Bill > H4242

This bill establishes a comprehensive recall election process for elected officials in the town of Dalton, Massachusetts, allowing registered voters to remove an official from office before their term ends. The process begins when at least 50 registered voters file an affidavit with the Town Clerk stating the grounds for recall, which can include lack of fitness (such as mental health issues or involuntary commitment), criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, neglect of duties (like repeated unexcused absences), or misfeasance (performing official acts unlawfully or violating ethical standards). The recall petition must be signed by at least 50% of voters from the last annual town election and must be certified by the Registrars of Voters within 4 business days. If the petition is sufficient, the Select Board must schedule a recall election between 60 and 90 days after certification, unless another town election is scheduled within 100 days. During the recall election, voters will decide whether to remove the official, and the ballot will include both a recall question and potential replacement candidates. For the recall to be successful, it must receive a majority vote and have voter turnout exceeding 80% of the most recent annual town election. The bill also includes provisions preventing recall attempts within six months of an official taking office or at the end of their term, and bars removed officials from seeking town office for three years.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4242