A state statute aimed at informing voters by mail about binding questions on the ballot was a key topic of discussion at the recent Somerville City Council meeting.

By Harry Kane

Registered voters need all the information they can get before making decisions during election season, which is why City Councilors are debating the adoption of a state statute that would inform voters by mail about binding questions on the ballot.

However, the adoption of the statute referred to as Chapter 53, Section 18B of Massachusetts General Laws has stalled in the Somerville City Council as a result of logistical concerns, and was sent back to the Legislative Matters Committee for discussion.

“This is simply a voter information provision, which says that any ballot measures that will go out would need to have an informational packet sent by the city explaining what the measures are that are going to be on the ballot,” said City Councilor J.T. Scott, during the September 11 City Council meeting.

This packet would include a summary prepared by the city solicitor’s office with written arguments by principal proponents and opponents, so that citizens have an opportunity to learn about what will be on the ballot before voting.

“Without this provision, the city cannot actually spend the money to send a mailer out to residents in the city,” said Councilor Scott.

Councilors said these mailers may cost $40,000, according to the committee report.

“After considering it, I continue to be inclined to support the adoption of this, simply because I think more information in the hands of voters is generally a good thing,” said Councilor Scott. “And frankly, at this point, I’d like to have as much democracy as I can get for as long as we can keep it.”

But logistical concerns stalled the adoption of the statute, explained City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.

“I am convinced that it is too late for this particular election cycle,” said Ewen-Campen, but stated that he is “fully supportive” of moving forward with the statute adoption.

City Councilor Wilfred N. Mbah said there are implications to adopting the provision. “There are nuances in this process that we don’t know,” and “we also don’t want to place any undue burden on our city.”

Councilor Mbah admitted that there was “probably an oversight” during the charter review process, which “we also have to acknowledge publicly.”

City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin said that he wishes the City Council had adopted the statute several months ago. “I think this does make plenty of sense to me. I think a lot of cities do it … the money is not an issue.”

Other councilors echoed that same sentiment, expressing concerns that rushing the process for adopting the statute would be a mistake.

“Everyone here supports transparency, everyone here wants people to know what they are voting on,” said City Councilor Jake Wilson.

While most of the City Councilors have accepted postponing the adoption of the statute, former Alderman Jack Connolly says that not letting people know about the substantive changes in the new city charter is at the crux of the matter.

As a result of the Somerville City Council not adopting Chapter 53, Section 18B, “Somerville voters will be deprived of the opportunity to be notified in writing prior to the November 4 election of the proposed new city charter right up until the moment they must decide whether to vote for it,” explained Connolly. “The new charter is being proposed after 126 years, and disregards the right of voters to be fully and fairly informed of both sides of the argument in the new city charter ballot question.”

Connolly calls this a “travesty of transparency” and says it’s a “betrayal of the public trust.”

A city spokeswoman at the City Council meeting on September 11 explained that the city “shares the desire to have an informed electorate,” and is working within the confines of state law to release information in a legal way.

Somerville’s charter review began back in 2020, under the Curtatone Administration, with then City Council President Matthew McLaughlin, according to the City of Somerville website. The Charter Review Committee, composed of residents and elected officials, helped make the majority of the changes to modernize the charter. On May 5, 2025, the new charter language was approved by a council vote.

“Our updated city charter just passed the State Legislature and is heading to Governor Healey’s desk for final approval,” wrote Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne on Instagram. “This is a huge win for our community – we’re bringing our 1899 charter into the 21st century with more transparency, more opportunities for your voices to be heard, and even a pathway to ranked choice voting. Thank you to everyone who participated in this years-long community process and to the City Council, State Representative Barber, and Senator Jehlen for building this with us. When we work together, we make Somerville stronger.