Override Fails: Malden Special Election

Voters had a 13-hour window to head to the ballot box.

Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Posted Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 8:02 pm ET|Updated Wed, Apr 1, 2026 at 2:16 pm ET

MALDEN, MA —Residents voted down a potential Proposition 2 1/2 tax override of up to $8.2 million, according to unofficial results from Tuesday's special election.

Voters were given two options: a $5.4 million or $8.2 million override. The higher-numbered option would be implemented in the instance of both questions passing. However, it appears neither will go into effect. The $8.2 million option appears to have failed with 3,224 "no" votes against only 2,523 "yes" votes. The $5.4 million option was reportedly much closer to being passed, receiving 2,936 votes against and 2,812 votes in favor. If either were to pass, the average annual cost to a Malden household was estimated to go up by $353 and $532 respectively.

The proposition was first brought forth by Mayor Gary Christenson and the Finance Committee. It was later approved by the City Council to appear on the ballot back in December. According to the Finance Committee, the lack of an override will result in the layoff of approximately 60 staff positions throughout the city in departments such as the public school district, public library, public works, and local government. This special election marked the first time a tax override has ever been presented by the city to voters to decide on, let alone be passed.