County commissioners vote to place question on 2026 ballot to create elected charter study commission

The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted on Aug. 27 to introduce a resolution directing the county to place a question on the Nov. 2026 state ballot asking voters whether to create an elected Charter Study Commission under chapter 801 of the Acts of 1985.

The draft resolution asks that the question and the concurrent election of charter-commission members — one representing each town with votes weighted as provided in state law — appear on the 2026 ballot. If voters approve, the elected Charter Study Commission would have up to 18 months to draft and propose a charter revision, which could then go before voters in November 2028.

Administrators said the next steps will include submitting the resolution and accompanying materials to the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and coordinating with county counsel on any procedural questions. Commissioners discussed the need for robust public engagement early in the next calendar year, including focus groups, town meetings and outreach with civic groups such as the League of Women Voters to explain the process and potential outcomes.

Commissioners also discussed limits on the county’s role once a Charter Study Commission is formed: staff will provide factual and logistical support, and the law requires the charter commission to receive funding for its work. Several commissioners emphasized the importance of public education about the county’s services and finances to inform any charter deliberations. The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and asked the administrator to submit it to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.