WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SELECTMEN IN A PROPOSITION 2 1/2 REFERENDUM?
The selectmen have the sole power to place a Proposition 2 1/2 override or exclusion question on the ballot for voter approval. Override or exclusion questions may not be placed on the ballot by vote of town meeting or through use of a local initiative process. Unless a local initiative process is provided by law, the selectmen also have the sole power to place an under-ride question on the ballot. (If a local initiative process is available in a community), the people may use the initiative process to place an underride question on the ballot as well.) In most instances, a majority vote of the selectmen is needed to place an override or underride question on the ballot; a two-thirds vote is required for an exclusion question. All ballot questions require a majority vote of the electorate for approval. Selectmen may advocate for or against a Proposition 21/2. ballot question just like other citizens. However, selectmen should be aware that local officials may not spend public funds for
