AMHERST — Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation Thursday that will allow Amherst to hold its first town council election Nov. 6, with a primary, if necessary, scheduled for Sept. 4.
Both dates coincide with the state’s election calendar and is based on in town charter adopted by voters March 27, along with a request made by annual Town Meeting.
The home-rule legislation was filed by Rep. Solomon Goldstein-Rose, I-Amherst, and former Sen. Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst.
“This legislation provides the greatest opportunity for voter turnout and will ensure that the election will be the greatest reflection of the will of the people,” Select Board Chairman Douglas Slaughter said in a statement. “We thank the state Legislature and governor for expediting passage.”
So far, 24 candidates have filed nomination forms to run for the 13 positions. Five of these candidates are seeking the three townwide positions, with the other 19 spread among the five districts that will each elect two councilors.
A primary is only needed if more than twice as many candidates as positions are available.
Residents interested have until 5 p.m. Friday to obtain nomination forms and return them with signatures of 25 registered voters in their district for the 10 district positions and signatures of 50 registered voters for the three at-large positions.