SOUTH BERWICK – Voters here overwhelmingly defeated a charter amendment that would have allowed residents to recall elected officials.

The measure, prompted by a citizens petition, was defeated 833 to 498.

The proposal would have allowed residents to petition for a recall by collecting the signatures of at least 10 percent of the number of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election.

Supporters of the measure said it would hold elected officials more accountable. Opponents argued that local elections provide enough accountability and believed the recall provision could be abused.