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HD 5028

An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Charlemont

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 1 co-sponsor

HD 5028: An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Charlemont OverviewBill Number: HD 5028 Title: An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Charlemont Statu

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Bill Summary · HD 5028

HD 5028: An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Charlemont

Overview

Bill Number: HD 5028
Title: An Act providing for recall elections in the town of Charlemont
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: February 02, 2026

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of this bill is to establish a process for recall elections in the town of Charlemont. The intent is to give residents a mechanism to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term if there is sufficient public support. This would provide greater accountability and responsiveness in local government.

Key Provisions

  • Allows for the recall of any elected town official, including the town manager, selectboard members, and school committee members
  • Requires a petition signed by at least 20% of registered voters to initiate a recall election
  • Mandates a public hearing within 30 days of the petition being certified
  • Triggers a recall election within 60-90 days if the petition is approved by voters at the public hearing
  • Allows the official facing recall to be a candidate in the subsequent election
  • Stipulates that a successful recall results in the immediate removal of the official from office

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact elected officials in the town of Charlemont, who would face the possibility of recall elections. Residents of Charlemont would also be affected, as they would gain the power to initiate and vote in recall elections.

The potential for recall could increase accountability and responsiveness from town officials, but also introduce political instability and uncertainty. There are also concerns that the process could be abused for partisan or personal reasons.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 5028 is currently in the proposed bill stage, having been introduced on February 2, 2026. It will next be referred to the Joint Committee on Election Laws for consideration and a public hearing.

If the committee recommends the bill, it would then proceed to a vote in the state legislature. If passed, the bill would become law and the recall election process would be implemented in Charlemont.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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