The Repeal Process - FAQ

What is the aim of the repeal drive?
Our aim is simple: to roll back the “Building Identification Sign” and “General Waiver” provisions of the amendment. The process gives voters a direct say, enabling Cambridge residents to decide by popular vote whether to remove these newly-enacted provisions from the zoning ordinance or to leave them in place.

How does the repeal process work?
The repeal process is governed by state law (specifically Chapter 43 Section 42). Here is how it works:
(1) After a law is enacted, citizens can petition to repeal it.  To succeed, such a petition must be signed by at least 12% of registered voters in the affected city or town within 20 days.
(2) The petition is then delivered to the city or town election officials for certification.
(3) Following certification, the law targeted by the petition is immediately suspended.
(4) Once the law is suspended, the body that passed the law (e.g. the City Council) must immediately reconsider the law.
(5) If the body that passed the law does not rescind it, then the question of whether or not to repeal the law is placed on the ballot, either at the next regular election or at a special election.
(6) Once the vote occurs, the decision of the voters is final.

How many signatures are required?
For this petition, 7,554 signatures were required.  That number represents 12% of the 62,947 voters registered in Cambridge.  The Election Commission certified 11,461 valid signatures on the sign amendment repeal petition.

How many people signed the petition?
During an 18-day period, 19,834 people signed the petition.  (A smaller number of signatures was submitted to the Election Commission several days earlier, so that they could begin the certification process.)

Is the petition binding?
Yes.  Now that the Cambridge Election Board has certified that at least 12 percent of registered voters have signed the petition, either the City Council must repeal the “Building Identification Sign” and “General Waiver” provisions of the amendment or the question must be put on the ballot for the voters to decide.

What happens to signs erected before a vote is taken?
Many people have expressed concern about signs that go up before voters have a chance to decide this issue. (If a vote is needed, it will take place in 2011.)  Fortunately, state law anticipates and addresses this possibility: once the submitted petition is certified by the Cambridge Election Commission, the “Building Identification Sign” and “General Waiver” provisions of the amendment are suspended from taking effect.