Image taken from Chelmsford Telemedia

Erin Drew, a first-term member of Chelmsford’s Select Board, resigned her position effective today.

In a note sent to Board colleagues and town administrators late last night, Drew cited “personal reasons and possible relocation” as reasons for her departure.

“Serving on this Board has been an honor, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and community members,” Drew wrote. “It has been a privilege to contribute to the town I care so deeply about, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together.”

Drew narrowly won election in April of 2023, beating out incumbent Ken Lefebvre by just six votes. Lefebvre filed for a recount, which brought the final victory margin down to a single vote, 1,438-1,437.

While I am excited for this next chapter, leaving this role and potentially this community is not easy,” Drew’s email continued. “I have great respect for the commitment and passion shown by everyone who works to make Chelmsford stronger, and I am thankful for the collaboration, support, and trust extended to me during my time on the Board.”

Attention now turns to how and when Drew’s seat will be filled. Chelmsford’s next town election is April 7, 2026. Whether the remaining four Select Board members opt to wait until then is not yet clear.

When former Selectman Mark Carota stepped down from his seat in September of 2023, two months earlier in the election cycle than Drew’s departure, the Board at that time opted to leave the seat vacant until the April 2024 election.

Massachusetts General Laws also contain a stipulation that a signature petition submitted 100 days before the next regularly scheduled election would trigger a special election as well. Any such petition must be signed by 200 registered voters of the town, or “20% of the registered voters of the town, whichever number is the lesser.”