What is a citizen’s petition?
A citizen’s petition is a tool available to all residents in the town in order to bring about change to the town by-laws. A petition article is brought to the Town Meeting for discussion and possible action by a resident and registered voter in Hopkinton. A petition article on any topic that requires action by the voters is presented at the Town Meeting by the town’s legislative body. A petition can also be brought to a Special Town meeting, if the issue is of an urgent nature.
when is a citizen’s petition created? What are the first steps to create one?
- A citizen’s petition is a citizen-led initiative created when there is a specific issue that’s important to a person or a group of people who are looking to solve the issue as a community and layout a long term, scalable solution that will benefit the town as a whole.
- The person(s) who first identify the issue should first find the committee that can help. For example, it its a zoning issue, the Zoning Advisory Committee can help with solutions.
PART 1: Getting Started
Here’s a quick video on how to go about creating a petition:
A guide to Citizens Petition – Part 1: An Introduction
PART 2: Next Steps: Getting your voice heard and building momentum
- The next step is to find like-minded individuals who can help strengthen your cause for bringing forth the petition. This can be done through public announcements, using places like the Public library where issues can be discussed, residents can be invited to learn more about the issue and how it might affect them.
- Public forums and public hearings during town committee meetings are also a way to get your voice heard.
Here’s a quick video on how to get your voice heard and build momentum in preparation for the town meeting:
Guide to Citizens Petition – Part 2: Preparing for Town Meeting
Petition requirements at a glance: Start early so you’ve gathered adequate information on the topic before you can approach people who can support and rally for your cause.
A petition of 10 registered voters is required to submit an article into the Annual Town Meeting warrant.
A petition of 100 registered voters is required to submit an article into the Special Town Meeting warrant.
A petition of 200 registered voters is necessary to require the Town to hold a Special Town Meeting.
PART 3: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR PETITION GETS THROUGH TO THE TOWN WARRANT?
An ideal time to submit your petition to be considered for the town warrant (if targeted for Annual town meeting) is January. Why is early submission important?
- This way you have time to gather feedback and rewrite or modify language in case your petition doesn’t get accepted.
- Hopkinton is unique in giving counsel and advice to petitioners, making sure it’s written the right way. You’ll need to allow time to gather this feedback and incorporate it into your petition to ensure its success.
Guide to Citizens Petition – Part 3: At the Town Meeting
Every article during the town meeting is initiated via the moderator. People can make a motion to stop the debate portion, until then the debate can continue and 2/3rd votes are needed to end the debate. You will have the opportunity to present your case and rise until your petition is recognized to its fullest potential.
Examples of Citizen’s PETITIONS that made it to the annual town meeting
Abolish Upper Charles Trail Committee and UCT Subcommittee
Reference Material:
Guide for Citizen Petitioners – Getting to and through Town Meeting from the town of Hopkinton (PDF)