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Council debates statute to allow city‑funded voter information mailers; sends measure back to committee
Summary
Councilors debated whether to accept Chapter 53, Section 18b of the Massachusetts General Laws, which would permit the city to send pre‑election informational mailings and summary arguments about citywide ballot questions. Concerns about timing, legal constraints and cost led the council to refer the matter back to committee for further review.
The Somerville City Council considered whether to accept Chapter 53, Section 18b of the Massachusetts General Laws, a provision that allows a city to send an informational packet to voters about citywide ballot questions, including the full text, fair impartial summaries and short written arguments from proponents and opponents.
Councilor Scott, reporting from the legislative matters committee, said the statute is the only way the city could legally spend municipal funds to mail a voter information packet; absent the statute the city’s options are limited to posting material on the city website or distributing information only through meetings or…
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