A rare January special election will take place in Holyoke, Massachusetts today. Voters are being asked if they want to approve a charter change centered on the city treasurer role.
Holyoke voters are deciding whether or not they get to keep picking who serves as treasurer.
Citing high turnover, several incidents highlighted by auditors and the fact that anyone can run for the role, qualified or not - some city officials are asking voters to consider leaving the treasurer's selection up to the city council, instead of keeping it as an elected role.
“This change is going to help us strengthen our internal controls and support our initiatives to improve financial reporting, streamline operations and implement advanced financial management systems,” said Mayor Joshua Garcia during a Jan. 9 event promoting the election, broadcast by Holyoke Media. “Transitioning to an appointed treasurer is crucial to move forward toward these enhancements, so that we can get them successfully executed."
Current City Treasurer Rory Casey has also advocated for the change. While he won election in 2023, he was appointed beforehand to replace a treasurer who departed the role months into the job.
That treasurer had also previously been appointed - replacing a predecessor who also left the post early.
Polls close at 8 p.m.