Article 3

Article 3 – Citizen’s Petition: An Act Providing for Recall Elections in the Town of Sudbury

Give Sudbury Voters a Voice—When It Matters Most

A recall provision allows residents to remove an elected official before the end of their term—through a fair, structured, and democratic process.

Why This Matters for Sudbury

✔ Accountability Between Elections
Officials serve multi-year terms. Recall ensures they remain accountable the entire time—not just on election day.

✔ A Measured, Responsible Process
Recall requires:

A substantial number of voter signatures
Verified petitions
A town-wide vote by ballot

This is not quick or easy or a “reset button” for an election —it’s designed as a last-resort, not a first response.

✔ Encourages Transparency & Responsiveness
Leaders know they must stay engaged, listen, and represent residents throughout their term.

What Recall is NOT

✖ Not for routine political disagreements
✖ Not a tool for frequent challenges
✖ Not automatic or easy to trigger

It is used only when public trust has clearly broken down.

A Proven Local Tool

Over 100 Massachusetts communities already use recall provisions to strengthen accountability and public trust in local government

VOTE YES FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

VOTE YES FOR RECALL

PETITIONER’S REPORT:

Intent: The intent of this petition is to establish a formal democratic mechanism allowing voters in Sudbury to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term. It is designed to:

• Promote accountability of elected officials

• Provide voters with a structured and lawful process to act on concerns about an official’s performance or conduct

• Balance voter power with procedural safeguards to prevent misuse or overly frequent recall efforts.

Scope: The petition applies to:

• All elected officials in Sudbury

• Registered voters eligible to initiate and support a recall

• Town authorities (Town Clerk, Board of Registrars, Select Board) responsible for administering and verifying the process It governs the entire recall procedure, including initiation, petition requirements, election logistics, and consequences. Core Provisions

• Eligibility & Timing: Recall is restricted during the first 3 months and last 6 months of an official’s term.

• Initiation: Requires an affidavit signed by the least 250 voters, stating the grounds for recall.

• Petition Requirement: Must gather signatures from at least 10% of registered voters within 28 days.

• Verification: Signatures are reviewed and certified by election officials.

• Election Trigger: If sufficient, the official may resign or face a recall election within 65-100 days.

• Ballot Structure: Voters decide both:

• Whether to recall the official

• Who should replace them (if recall passes)