Ballot Questions

Local ballot questions are of two types either binding or non-binding. To get non-binding public policy questions on the ballot requires a two step process. The initial petition is signed by 10 registered voters and must be presented to the Selectboard well before a 90-day deadline for the SB’s action. The SB may accept the question or reject. Then the petition must go again, this time with signatures from at least 10% of the registered voters, presented and certified at least 35 days before the Town Elections. The Town Clerk then puts the question on the ballot. Refer to MGL chapter 53, Section 18A.
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVIII/Chapter53/Section18a

The other type is binding and these rules are going to be in the applicable statutes, such as that for the Community Preservation Act.
http://www.communitypreservation.org/
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B

Please see the Town Clerk for more information.