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Commissioners approve 2026 ballot language to create elected charter study commission
Summary
Barnstable County commissioners voted to approve 2026 ballot question language that would create a charter study commission to examine county government structure; the question will be submitted to the Secretary of State.
Administrator Dutton (Barnstable County Administrator) read the ballot question language the county will submit to the Secretary of State: "Shall a charter study commission be created to study the present governmental structure of Barnstable County to consider and make findings concerning the form of government and make recommendations thereon?"
A commissioner moved to approve the 2026 ballot question language and to authorize submission to the Secretary of State; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commissioners voted in favor by voice vote; the motion carried. Administrator Dutton noted the language follows the procedure set out in Chapter 801 of the Acts of 1985.
Why it matters: if the question appears on the 2026 ballot and voters approve it, an elected charter study commission would be formed to evaluate the county’s form of government and recommend changes. Any proposed charter changes would require subsequent voter approval under state law.
Context and limitations Commissioners took a procedural vote to submit the question; the vote does not itself create the commission. The transcript did not provide the names of the motion’s mover and seconder beyond the generic floor statements.
Ending The clerk will submit the approved ballot language to the Secretary of State for inclusion on the 2026 ballot process.
