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H 862

An Act regarding the recall of elected officers of the town of Sharon

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Summary of H 862: An Act regarding the recall of elected officers of the town of Sharon Bill OverviewThis bill, H 862, establishes a process for the recall of elected town official

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 23 of the Acts of 2026
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Bill Summary · H 862

Summary of H 862: An Act regarding the recall of elected officers of the town of Sharon

Bill Overview

This bill, H 862, establishes a process for the recall of elected town officials in Sharon, Massachusetts. The bill replaces and expands upon a previous version, HD 2626, which had a more limited scope.

Key Provisions

  • Recall Eligibility: Any elected town officer, including the town's Board of Selectmen, can be subject to recall after serving at least 6 months in office.
  • Recall Petition: Registered voters can initiate a recall by filing a petition with the town clerk, signed by at least 20% of the total number of registered voters.
  • Recall Election: If the petition is certified, the town must hold a recall election within 60-90 days. The elected official facing recall will have the opportunity to submit a 200-word statement for the ballot.
  • Recall Threshold: For the recall to be successful, a majority of voters must vote in favor of the recall, with at least 25% of registered voters participating in the election.
  • Restrictions: An official who survives a recall election cannot be subject to another recall attempt for 6 months. Officials who are recalled are barred from running for the same office for 1 year.

Impact and Considerations

This bill gives Sharon residents a new mechanism to remove elected officials they are dissatisfied with, potentially increasing government accountability. However, some have raised concerns that the 25% voter participation threshold is too low and could allow a small, motivated faction to initiate a recall.

The bill also raises logistical challenges, as the town will need to budget and plan for the possibility of recall elections on an ongoing basis. Overall, the legislation represents a significant shift in how Sharon residents can interact with and influence their local government.

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

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