FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/rpt/2003-R-0104.htm

 

 

 

 

 

You asked how a citizen can initiate a referendum on a local issue.

Depending on whether a town has a charter or not, citizens can petition to hold a special town meeting on a question or referendum. Then they can petition to have the question or referendum decided with a vote at the polls. Petition forms are available in the town clerk's office.

In non-charter towns that must follow the statutes with respect to holding a special town meeting on a local town issue, the question or referendum can be brought up at a special town meeting if 20 people petition for it. They must be eligible to vote in town meetings: either registered voters in the town or owners of property valued at $ 1,000 or more who are at least 18 years old (CGS §§ 7-1 and 7-6).

A town can adopt an ordinance that requires more signatures to petition for a special town meeting where citizens can vote on a referendum or question (CGS § 7-2). Under such an ordinance, if 50 people who are qualified to vote at town meetings petition for a referendum, the board of selectmen must convene a town meeting within 21 days.

The town meeting can be adjourned to a later date for a vote by paper ballot or machine between the hours of noon and 8 p. m. The town's legislative body can authorize polls to open as early as 6 a. m.

At least 10% of the qualified voters or 200, whichever is less, can sign a petition asking for the so-called adjourned town meeting, or the board of selectmen can decide to conduct the vote this way (CGS §§ 7-7 and 7-9b).

The petitions for such votes in a town are available from the town clerk in a form the clerk prescribes or approves. Each petition page must contain a statement signed by the circulator (under penalty of false statement) indicating that he was present when each signer signed the petition and that he knew, or saw identification for, each person who signed it. No one can circulate a petition unless he is eligible to vote in the town. The circulator submits the form with the signatures to the town clerk (CGS §§ 7-9 and 7-9a).

A person living in a town with its own charter must follow the charter provisions that establish the procedures for initiating a referendum.

Copies of the Office of the Secretary of the State's "Advisory Guidelines Concerning Municipal Referenda Not Held in Conjunction With a Regular or Special Election" and "Petitions for Local Referenda - Minimum Requirements" are attached.

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