The Massachusetts constitution gives citizens a way to change how their town is run through the Home Rule Charter process. This process takes several years and includes citizen action, public discussion, and a final vote by the people on a new proposal for what the government should be. It’s the way to make sure that any big changes to Brookline’s government come from the people and are carefully planned.
PHASE 1:
Starting the Charter Commission
(Brookline is in Step 1 of this phase)
Step 1: Collecting Signatures for a Charter Commission Ballot Question
- 📝 Goal: Get signatures from 15% of Brookline’s registered voters.
- 📌 Purpose: Ask the town to put the Charter Commission question on the May ballot.
- ⏳ Timing: No deadline; signatures must be from currently registered voters when submitted.
Step 2: Voting on the Charter Commission
- 🗳️ Voter Question: “Should Brookline create a charter commission to write a new charter?”
- 🏛️ Election: On the same ballot, voters pick 9 Charter Commission members (elected at-large like the Select Board & School Committee).
- ✅ Outcome: If voters say yes, the elected Charter Commission has up to 18 months to create a detailed charter proposal.
PHASE 2:
Creating a Charter Proposal
The Charter Commission
- ⏳ Timeframe: 18 months after the commission is elected and starts its work.
- 🔍 Process:
- 📖 Study different ways of running the town.
- 🗣️ Get input from the community and hold public discussions.
- ✍️ Within 16 months, write a detailed charter proposal for improved government.
- 🚀 Final Step: Submit the proposal to the community for voters to decide in the next election.
PHASE 3:
Public Debate & Final Vote
Voters Decide on the Charter Proposal
- 🏛️ Discussion Period: The public learns about and discusses the details of the proposal before voting.
- 🗳️ Election: Voters choose whether to approve or reject the charter proposal.
If the Charter Proposal is Approved:
🔄 Transition Period Begins:
🤝📋 The town plans for any changes in the new charter.
🗳️ IF the government structure changes to a city, a special fall election is held for new positions.
🏛️ The new government starts in January after the special election.
* Hypothetical Timeline of a Charter Commission ballot question in May 2026: A Charter Commission could yield a proposal for a new charter as early as March 2027 (potentially in time for vote in May 2027) or as late as November 2027, with the new charter proposal on the May 2028 ballot. IF a city form of government is proposed and approved by voters, the transition to that new structure would take effect in January following the charter’s approval.