Petition Signing Schedule
Our deadline is February 16, 2026. Come sign the petition at one of these events:
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb 11 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | 800 Block Charrington Ct., Rayner Ponds (nearest corner Wildemere & Charrington Ct.) |
| Wed, Feb 11 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | 782 E. Columbia St. (please use Mark St. entrance) |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | 500 Block S. Rogers (between Oak & Elm) |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm | S. Barnes parking lot (near East side of Courthouse) |
| Fri, Feb 13 | 11:00am – 5:00pm | 782 E. Columbia St. (please use Mark St. entrance) |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm | Location Pending |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | S. Barnes parking lot (East side of Courthouse) |
Every signature counts. Share this page with family, friends, and neighbors!
Find a Petition Signing Location Near You
Pins show confirmed locations only. “Location Pending” events will be added as details are finalized.
Questions About the Referendum?
If you have questions or want to contact us about signing a petition, we're here to help!
Why a Referendum?
Ordinance 266 was rushed! While other communities in Michigan are slowing the process and enacting a 6- to 12-month moratorium to allow adequate time to do research, obtain professional advice, and craft a protective ordinance, the City of Mason has passed an inadequate ordinance with lightning speed. As adopted, Ordinance 266 falls short of protecting residents, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and the long-term vision of our community.
Examples of key issues that have not been adequately addressed in Ordinance 266:
- Fast-tracked use-by-right permission
- Massive diesel generators
- Harmful emissions
- Industrial noise
- Setbacks from homes
- Water consumption
- Decommissioning
- Devaluing of property
- 50-acre minimum parcel
- Electricity costs
- Infrastructure upgrades
The "Use by Right" Problem
Although all of these issues are concerning, one of the biggest problems with Ordinance 266 is that it allows data center development as a "use by right." This means that the developer simply has to fulfill minimum criteria to receive a "green-light" to locate a hyperscale heavy industrial data center in our community. This is a fast-track process that favors the data center developer.
By contrast, a special use permit requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission to determine if the development is compatible with area surroundings, if it will devalue neighboring properties, and if it will disturb neighbors. A special use permit also allows the City to require extra conditions. Requiring a "special use permit" will better protect the community and allow greater public input.
Mason deserves better than a fast-tracked hyperscale heavy industrial data center development! Ordinance 266 is incomplete, ineffective, and fails to protect the community. The decision to accept or reject Ordinance 266 should rest with the citizens through a referendum.
What Exactly IS a Referendum?
Also called a veto referendum or a citizen's veto, this process allows citizens to collect signatures on a petition. If enough signatures are collected, the ordinance is placed on a ballot. Citizens then vote to uphold the ordinance or to repeal it.
Who Can Sign a Petition for a Referendum?
Citizens who are registered voters and have a City of Mason address. Signers must give their name, address, and the date of signature. This must be witnessed by the circulator of the petition.
Legal Reference:
How Many Signatures Are Needed?
Fifteen percent of the vote cast in the City for Governor at the most recent election. We need a minimum of 1,200 signatures to ensure we meet the requirement.
Legal Reference:
How Much Time Do We Have to Collect the Signatures?
We have 8 days from the date the ordinance is published in the Lansing State Journal to collect the required signatures. The ordinance was published on February 8, 2026. Our deadline is February 16, 2026.
Legal Reference:
What Happens If We Collect Enough Signatures?
The petitions will be filed with the City Clerk. Within 10 days of receiving the petitions, the City Clerk must check records to verify that the signers are registered voters and are City of Mason residents. If the City Clerk determines that enough signatures have been gathered from registered voters in the city, she must present the petition to City Council at its next regular meeting.
Legal References:
What Happens Next?
After the petition is provided to City Council, the ordinance is suspended until:
- It is repealed by City Council, or
- At the next city election or at a special election, City of Mason voters decide whether to uphold the ordinance or repeal it. The result is determined by a majority of the vote.
Legal References:
What Happens If Ordinance 266 Is Repealed?
If citizens vote to repeal Ordinance 266, City Council cannot reenact the ordinance for a period of one year after the date of the election at which it was repealed. If Ordinance 266 is repealed, the community will need to communicate (or recommunicate) to City Council the desired provisions to make the ordinance acceptable to the community.
Legal Reference:
How Can You Help?
1. Make Sure You Can Vote
Make sure you are a registered voter and a City of Mason resident! If you would like to check your voter status or would like to register to vote:
2. Spread the Word
Share this information with family, friends, and neighbors!
3. Donate
Donate to MasonDataCenterFacts.org to support printing of petitions, legal review and action, and public outreach.
Donate Now4. Register to Sign the Petition
Are you a registered City of Mason voter? Register and we'll contact you with signing locations and times.
Register to Sign the Petition →Questions? Contact Us!
If you have questions about the referendum or want to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.