Presidential Primary Election Day - March 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM at Franklin High School

The MA Presidential Primary voting opened at Franklin High School at 6 AM this morning and will close at 8 PM today. All 9 precincts vote in one place.

I plan on being at the high school to record the results and share them as soon as the Town Clerk has them available.

Presidential Primary Election Day - March 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM at Franklin High School

Sample ballots for the primary -> choose one party ballot to cast your vote

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/presidential_primary_3-5-2024_sample_ballots.pdf

Any additional info on the Primary Election can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

Presidential Primary Updates:

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

For additional info visit the Town of Franklin page ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a

Early Voting at FHS starts Feb 24 and runs through March 1

Per Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, the schedule for the Presidential Primary is as follows:

IN PERSON EARLY VOTING

Franklin High School Gymnasium, 218 Oak St

• February 24 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• February 26 (Monday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 27 (Tuesday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 28 (Wed.) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 29 (Thursday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• March 1 (Friday) 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Early Voting also held in the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8AM to 4PM Wednesday 8AM to 6PM and Fri 8AM to 1PM

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 

6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/2024_presidential_primary_election_schedule.pdf 

Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule

Reminder: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule for Town of Franklin Voters

Per Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, the schedule for the Presidential Primary is as follows:

IN PERSON EARLY VOTING

Franklin High School Gymnasium, 218 Oak St

• February 24 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• February 26 (Monday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 27 (Tuesday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 28 (Wed.) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 29 (Thursday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• March 1 (Friday) 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Early Voting also held in the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8AM to 4PM Wednesday 8AM to 6PM and Fri 8AM to 1PM

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 

6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/2024_presidential_primary_election_schedule.pdf 

Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule

Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule

Per Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, the schedule for the Presidential Primary is as follows:

IN PERSON EARLY VOTING

Franklin High School Gymnasium, 218 Oak St

• February 24 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• February 26 (Monday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 27 (Tuesday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• February 28 (Wed.) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• February 29 (Thursday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• March 1 (Friday) 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Early Voting also held in the Town Clerk’s Office During normal business hours

Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8AM to 4PM Wednesday 8AM to 6PM and Fri 8AM to 1PM

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 

6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/2024_presidential_primary_election_schedule.pdf 

Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello walks us through voting process for the Oct 24 Tri-County Election, then for the Nov 7 Biennial Election (audio)

FM #1074 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1074 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. 

We talk about 

• The Tri-County election October 24

• The biennial Town of Franklin election Nov 7, includes the debt exclusion to fund the Tri-County building 

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1074-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-10-03-23

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Building update meeting in June, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/tri-county-building-project-update.html 

Tri-County Election Announcement  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/important-news-tri-county-district-wide-election-10242023

Memo from Town Administrator - Tri-County Election if approved: Estimated Cost Per Household   ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/imce/u353/8b._1_-_memo_-_tri_county_school_financing.jpg

Tri-County Election Warrant  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/tri-county-warrant

Tri-County Sample Ballot  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/tri-county_10-24_sample_ballot.pdf

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello

Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

FM #950 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 950 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

We talk about the annual census, dog registrations due by April 1, and the election calendar for 2023 including the possible Tri-County school building special election.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-950-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-02-14-23

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Passport processing (by appointment) https://www.franklinma.gov/passport/pages/passport-acceptance-facility-office

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

The schedule for a busy Election Day,. Nov 8, 2022

Voting opens at 6 AM at Franklin High School. 

The School Committee has a budget workshop scheduled for 6 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. I plan on being there to report/record the meeting.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-franklin-school-committee.html

The School Committee has their organizational meeting and a full agenda scheduled for 7 PM. I will miss the meeting. Franklin TV will record and broadcast via cable, live stream and YouTube.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for.html

I'll be at the high school to report on and record the announcement of "unofficial results" when they are available from Town Clerk Nancy Danello after the polls close at 8 PM. (My unofficial "guestimate" ~ 9-9:30 PM at the earliest)

The Election Collection - all the info we have gathered on the local candidates and ballot questions ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html

The map of the 9 precincts for Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_precinct_map.pdf

Other information can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Voting in Franklin

• The polls are open on election day from 6 AM to 8 PM at the Franklin High School on Oak St
• At the check-In table tell the poll worker your name first, followed by your street number and street name
• If your name does not appear on the list the poll worker will send you to the Town Clerk's table
• To cast your vote in Franklin follow the voting instructions by filling in the oval circle next to the name you wish to vote for. If you need assistance, you may bring someone to assist you or ask a poll worker to provide confidential, non-partisan help

NO political paraphernalia may be displayed within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location (includes signs, stickers, clothing and lapel buttons).

The map of the 9 precincts for Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_precinct_map.pdf

Other information can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

The Election Collection - all the info we have gathered on the local candidates and ballot questions ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly - 10/26/22 (audio)

FM #873 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 873 in the series. 

This session shares the Tabulator Testing conducted in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello opened the session. Deputy Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald assisted and took over to close the session when Nancy left about 10:30ish for a meeting at the high school to plan for the election setup. 

9 or 10 election workers were sworn in to start the process. Other observers arrived as the process was underway. You can hear the welcomes, and overall instructions, and the various question and answer sections.

The full recording was edited to remove the extraneous conversations, noise, etc. The intent of the recording is to share the tabulator testing process as discussed in the open session. 

What is the tabulator? The tabulator is what most would refer to as the voting machine that reads the ballot and tallies the vote by precinct.

The outline of the steps as described by our Town Clerk is provided. The Early Opening sessions as mentioned did start on Friday, Oct 28 and complete Friday, Nov 4, 2022. The steps of the early opening process are provided in the show notes.

The Early Deposit session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5 at Franklin High School. They intend to process all the early ballots on Saturday. If something prevents that, they do have time scheduled on Sunday, if necessary.

Ballots still arriving via mail, election dropbox at the municipal building, etc. will be gathered sometime late Tuesday (Election Day), and transported to the high school for processing.

All results Tuesday are ‘unofficial”. The Town Clerk has a couple of days to back in the office to check all the totals before making them ‘official’ to submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.

The edited tabulator testing recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-873-town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing-10-26-22

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Transcript of the audio (except for the intro and closing segments read by me (Steve Sherlock)which are spelled out in the 'show notes' document.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ICGkw21S1u9YOQnitAKsklW6j8A76aM5/view?usp=share_link

Tabulator Testing Process outline  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I525elrG6Vhh_TwidcENERfjoRAEufxf/view?usp=share_link 

Early Opening outline ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6tvfzTROGOl_dFYR5OKi58oCdrNAZBX/view?usp=share_link 

Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the voting changes in advance of the Sept State Primary ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/multiple-updates-discussed-with-town.html

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the overall election process -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/nancy-danello-franklin-town-clerk-talks.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly

You are welcome to observe multiple sessions of the advance removal and deposit of vote by mail ballots for the Nov 8 election

Franklin's Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the notice of "Notice Of Advanced Removal Of Early Voted Ballots From Envelopes And Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots" on Oct 13, 2022 announcing multiple sessions to process the State election early returns. While the notification contains some legal terms as required by MA General Law, the notification in "kitchen English" outlines the following.

As there are over 6,000 vote by mail and absentee ballots sent out (and more being requested), to ensure a timely and accurate count on Tuesday, Nov 8, the state outlined a process to enable a secure two-step process of these ballots in advance of election day.

Step 1 - Advanced Removal Of Early Voted Ballots From Envelopes

The vote by mail ballots are returned via mail or directly to the Municipal building drop boxes. The outer white envelope is scanned to acknowledge receipt for tracking by the State system. 

For example, my ballot was dropped into the box at the Town Clerk's window on Tuesday as I went into the School Committee meeting. The ballot tracking shows it was acknowledged as "accepted" on 10/26/22. I dropped it off after their working hours, and they processed it during their next business day. (photo below)

The advance removal session will allow us to watch the brown envelope with the ballot be opened, the ballot itself put in a pile, and the voter system updated to show the voter has proved a ballot. Two people perform this process for each precinct.

There is no actual counting of the votes on the ballot. The ballots are simply piled by precinct for feeding into the voting machines at the next session.

The votes by precinct are stored in ballot boxes and secured in the vault. The security of the process is open to observation by Franklin residents.

There are six sessions scheduled for this advanced opening process:

• Friday, October 28 - 9:00 AM

• Monday, October 31 - 9:00 AM

• Tuesday, November 1 - 9:00 AM

• Wednesday, November 2 - 9:00 AM

• Thursday, November 3 - 9:00 AM

• Friday, November 4 - 9:00 AM

Step 2 - Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots

On Saturday, Nov 5, the advance processed ballots will be moved by Franklin police detail from the Municipal building vault to Franklin High School where they will be processed in the second step. If the processing is not completed on Saturday, it can be continued on Sunday, Nov 6.

The ballots as opened and processed in Step 1 will be securely transferred from the vault to Franklin High School by a Franklin Police detail.

Each set of ballots separated by precinct will be feed into the voting machines. The voting machine overall tally will be noted but the tape to 'count the votes' will not be run. The second set of memory cards for each machine will be installed and the machines will be ready for processing on election day.

At the end of the session, the memory cards for this deposited process, along with the ballots, will be securely transferred from the High School back to the Municipal building vault by a Franklin Police detail.

Election day

Normal in person voting will take place beginning at 6 AM and complete at 8 PM. The precinct voting totals will be tallied and the machines tapes (with the vote totals for each election position or ballot question) will be manually entered into the election spreadsheet.

The memory cards from the Advance Depositing action on Saturday will be placed into each precinct machine so their totals can be run on the tape. That tape will also be entered into the spreadsheet to help complete the unofficial results. 

There are other steps required by the Town Clerk to create the 'official' results, including cross checking all the totals of votes by precinct. She has three days to complete the process and send the results to the Secretary of the Commonwealth to be part of the State certification process. 

In summary, all ballots are paper, counted and tallied in an observed and secure process to guarantee a fair result. The paper ballots can be audited or recounted as required to ensure the results are what they are.

The Advance Notice document (PDF format)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Y1239lXnCDqRnTiSVYCmGthnMEgd5f0/view?usp=sharing

The link to the Town Clerk page where it was posted Oct 13, 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/notice-advanced-removal-and-deposit-ballots

Town Clerk link (directly opens up a Word doc)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/notice_of_advanced_removal-deposit_11-8.docx

My vote by mail ballot status

You can check your vote by mail status at this link

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/TrackMyBallot/

You are welcome to observe multiple sessions of the advance removal and deposit of vote by mail ballots for the Nov 8 election