Billerica Charter Panel Votes to Pursue Special Act for Recall Election Overhaul

BILLERICA — July 14, 2026 — Billerica's Charter Review Committee voted 10-1 to advance proposed changes to the town's recall election provision through a state special act rather than the standard charter amendment process. Town Counsel advised the committee that the Attorney General's office treats recall elections as touching on the mode of election and term of office, meaning a special act — requiring town meeting approval followed by passage through the state legislature — is the only permissible route for several proposed changes, including a cap limiting petition signatures to no more than 25 percent from any single precinct, updated election timing rules, and a new two-year bar on recalled officials seeking other offices. The committee also reversed an earlier vote and restored a requirement that write-in candidates receive at least 10 votes to be elected, passing 9-2 after Town Counsel concluded that removing the threshold would itself constitute an impermissible mode-of-election change under current law. A motion to add supervisory language for the confidential executive assistant to the Select Board's charter powers was withdrawn after members argued it conflicted with a charter provision barring the board from day-to-day administration. The committee voted unanimously to submit a working draft of proposed amendments to town officials by July 17, with the Select Board's preliminary warrant deadline set for August 17.