Bill > H3640

This bill authorizes the town of Bolton to conduct recall elections for its elected officials, allowing registered voters to remove an officer from their position. A recall petition cannot be filed within six months of an officer taking office or within six months after a previous recall election failed. To initiate a recall, at least 30 registered voters must file an affidavit with the Town Clerk detailing the grounds for recall, which can include lack of fitness (such as insobriety or legal incapacitation), corruption (felony convictions or bribery), neglect of duties (repeated unexcused absences), or ethical violations. Once an affidavit is filed, the Town Clerk provides petition blanks, and the completed petition must be returned within 28 days, signed by at least 20 percent of the town's qualified voters. If the petition is certified as sufficient, the officer is notified and has seven days to resign; otherwise, a recall election is scheduled between 45 and 60 days later, potentially coinciding with another town election. The recalled officer cannot run to succeed themselves, and the election process for candidates will follow general election laws. The incumbent must continue their duties until the election, and if recalled, their successor will serve the remainder of the term. Importantly, individuals removed or who resigned during recall proceedings are barred from appointment to any town office for two years.