Marshfield residents have initiated the first steps of a lengthy process that, if successful, could lead to the recall of Select Board Chair Eric Kelley.
"The first step in the recall election process is the affidavit. In order to recall an elected official in Massachusetts, constituents must first submit an affidavit that lists the person's name and office with the reason for recalling the individual. The affidavit needs to be submitted to the town clerk, reviewed, and approved," said Marshfield Town Clerk Narice Casper in a written statement to the South Shore Times. "Once the affidavit is approved, it must be returned to the town clerk's office with 100 signatures of registered voters within 14 days. In this case it must be returned by Close of business On October 16, 2025."
That affidavit was filed with the town clerk's office this week. It states, in part, that Kelley fast-tracked a June 2025 disciplinary hearing for Police Chief Tavares and targeted other town employees.
It goes on to say that Kelley "regularly displayed incompetence and a lack of preparation for Select Board meetings" and displayed "a consistent pattern of irresponsible behavior."
While the affidavit is the first step in the process, organizers still have a long way to go before a recall vote could be taken, according to Casper. After the affidavit is approved, the town clerk issues recall petitions. The recall group then has 21 days to gather 3,306 signatures — at least 15% of voters in every precinct — with daily tallies available from the clerk. Once signatures are submitted and certified, the board reviews the petition. The targeted official may resign, allowing the board to appoint a replacement, or decline, in which case the clerk sets a recall election date.
Casper estimated the cost for a special town election at $25,000.
Kelley did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.