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Representative proposes 15% turnout minimum to approve town ballot spending; advocates and municipal leaders clash
Summary
Representative William Berry proposed a 15% minimum‑turnout requirement for ballot spending items in towns that use ballots, saying low turnout can let small, motivated groups decide major tax and spending measures.
Representative William Berry introduced House Bill 407 to the Municipal and County Government Committee on Jan. 30, 2025, proposing a statewide minimum turnout threshold for town and school spending items decided by ballot in towns that use ballots.
Under the version presented, a spending measure presented on the ballot would have to receive a majority of those voting on the measure and the "yes" votes would have to equal at least 15% of the registered voters in the municipality. Berry said the proposal was aimed at low-turnout March elections where a small, motivated minority can decide major tax and…
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