How to Submit a Petition on Town Meeting Warrant
Anyone can petition to have an issue put on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting or for a Special Town Meeting. A petition can be brought to the Town Clerk for review as long as the warrant is still open. Speak with the Town Clerk possible timelines and deadlines.
The language of your petition is important. A petition must include the following information:
- If a petition seeks to modify an existing bylaw, it must clearly cite the bylaw which is being modified and whether it is a general or zoning bylaw.
- If the petition seeks to add a new bylaw, it must clearly state the information needed to place it within the town’s existing bylaws.
- If the petition amends a zoning bylaw, it must clearly identify the parcel(s) which are subject to the petition by street address, map, block, and lot designation.
- Other petitions need to have clear language for why it is being brought to the vote for a vote.
WHERE TO FILE: File at the Town Clerk’s Office, 9 Morse Village Rd., Wendell, MA 01379
TIMELINE:
1) 90 days prior to a Town Meeting, start process. Approach Selectboard with draft language, begin collecting signatures.
2) 30 days prior to an Annual Town Meeting submit final petition or article to Town Clerk
3) 45 days prior to a Special Town Meeting submit final petition or article to Town Clerk
SIGNATURES:
When collecting signatures, gather printed name, signature, and address of those signing the petition. Those signing must reside in and be registered to vote in Wendell
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: 10 signatures required
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: 80 signatures required
The time between the close of the warrant and the date of town meeting should be used to provide information to town residents and officials about the proposed article. The town meeting discussion will be much easier if the people attending town meeting have heard the idea and have received some information.
As the petition sponsor, you are expected to appear at town meeting, make a motion for adoption of the article, provide a succinct explanation, and answer questions. Modifications to the language of the article may be proposed at town meeting. However, any changes need to be within the scope of the original article or they will not be entertained by the Town Moderator.
Any changes need to be in writing and submitted to the Town Clerk at town meeting. Informational handouts may be distributed at town meeting and should be brought to the sign-in table at least 30 minutes before town meeting begins.
A more detailed handout on the petition process in Wendell is available at the Town Clerk’s Office.