Citizen's Petition Warrant Articles

What is a Citizen's Petition Warrant Article?

A Citizen’s Petition Warrant Article is a way for residents to directly place an item on the ballot for consideration at Town Meeting, rather than waiting for the Selectmen or Budget Committee to bring it forward.

In New Hampshire towns that operate under RSA 39:3 and RSA: 40, any warrant article can be submitted by petition if it has enough valid signatures from registered voters in Hudson. Once the signatures are certified by the Town Clerk, the Selectmen are legally required to place the petitioned article on the official Town Meeting Warrant, however, the Selectmen may add their own recommendation “yes” or “no” alongside it.

In short:

What it is: A legal mechanism for residents to bring an issue, appropriation, or policy decision to a vote at Town Meeting.

Who can do it: Any group of registered voters in town (with at least 25 signatures).

How it works: Submit the signed petition article by the statutory deadline (in SB2 towns, the second Tuesday in January) to the Selectmen or Town Administrator’s office.

Why it matters: It ensures residents can bring forward matters that may not otherwise make it onto the warrant through the Selectmen, Budget Committee, or department heads.

Citizen petition forms are available below.

For petitions related to zoning amendments, contact the Planning Department at 603-886-6008 for guidance.