- Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, 8-4
- Wednesday 8-6
- Friday 8-1
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 15 and Saturday, Sep 18
The Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, September 15 and Saturday, September 18 are the following:
- 9:00 AM / Noon / 6:00 PM = FM_#600_HealthDir-CLiberty_20210831 (~ 33 mins)
- 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM / 8:00 PM = FM_#601_TC-NDanello_#602_DSpencer_Combo combination (~ 45 mins)
Saturday
The Health Director Cathleen Liberty meeting repeats on Saturday at 9:00 AM and Town Clerk Nancy Danello election info and SchComm candidate Denise Spencer sessions combined repeats at 3:00 PM.
You can also find each segment separately in your favorite podcast app or in the Franklin Matters Radio archive -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/fm-podcasts.html
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Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 15 and Saturday, Sep 18 |
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
FM #601 - Acting Town Clerk with things to know about Nov 2, 2021 - 09/10/21 (audio)
FM #601 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 601 in the series.
This shares my conversation with acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello. We used a conference bridge to review the timeline and other key matters for the Franklin local election scheduled for Nov 2, 2021.
We cover the following key topics
Candidate papers due Sep 14, Last day to withdraw Sep 30
Ballots got to print Oct 1, Ballots available (TBD but likely by the end of the week of Oct 4)
Early voting - (start TBD - depending upon ballots)
in Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours
Sat Oct 23, Sun Oct 24 - time to be confirmed
Absentee ballot applications available now
Election Day - Nov 2, 2021
The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.
Our conversation runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen in to my conversation with Nancy Danello. Audio File -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c793b405-fe66-4ee5-a1f1-c74d2e398216
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Town Clerk’s page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
Register to vote -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
Election timeline -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_biennial_town_election_-_important_dates.docx.pdf
Franklin Matter’s election collection for 2021 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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Acting Town Clerk with things to know about Nov 2, 2021 |
Saturday, July 31, 2021
MMA: "Gov. signs law extending voting provisions through Dec. 15"
From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) we share:
"Gov. Charlie Baker today signed a $261.6 million supplemental budget for fiscal 2021 that includes provisions to extend early voting through Dec. 15, 2021.
With regard to elections, the new law:
• Extends no-excuse absentee voting for all elections through Dec. 15, 2021
• Authorizes in-person early voting for any regular or special municipal preliminary, primary or general election on or before Dec. 15, 2021
• Authorizes early voting by mail for any regular or special or state preliminary primary or general election on or before Dec. 15, 2021
• Extends the right of voters ordered to quarantine to select an alternative location for delivery of ballots for annual or special municipal or state primary or election held on or before Dec. 15, 2021
• Allows a select board, board of selectmen, town council or city council — after a public hearing and by recorded and public vote at least 45 days prior to the date of an election — to opt-out of allowing early voting by mail for any annual or special municipal preliminary or municipal election"
https://www.mma.org/gov-signs-law-extending-voting-provisions-through-dec-15/
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MMA: "Gov. signs law extending voting provisions through Dec. 15" |
Monday, November 2, 2020
Franklin Voters: Election 2020 reminders
If you have not sent in your mail ballot, please drop it off at the Municipal Building in the drive through (from 8 AM to 8 PM) or leave it in the dropbox at the Municipal Building.
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/extended-drive-thru-hours-begin-friday-october-9th
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voting booths at FHS, taken during an observation period this weekend |
If you do have vision problems, there is a special machine to help you. Check with one of the election workers as you enter the high school
there is a special machine to help you if you have vision problems
Saturday, September 5, 2020
November 3 and Special Election (Dec 5) Schedule
2-8-2 Vacancies shall be filled by special election to be called within ninety (90) days of said vacancy unless a regular or special Town election shall occur within one hundred twenty (120) days.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf
**STATE ELECTION – Tuesday, November 3rd, 7 am – 8 pm FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM**
- Early Voting: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (2 weeks) starting Saturday, Oct. 17th through Friday, Oct. 30th
- Saturday, Oct. 17th and Sunday, Oct. 18TH (5 hours per day) TBD
- Monday, Oct 19th TBD
- Tuesday, Oct. 20th TBD
- Wednesday, Oct. 21st TBD
- Thursday, Oct. 22nd TBD
- Friday, Oct. 23rd TBD
- Saturday, Oct. 24th and Sunday, Oct. 25th (5 hours per day) TBD
- Monday, Oct 26th TBD
- Tuesday, Oct. 27th TBD
- Wednesday, Oct. 28th TBD
- Thursday, Oct. 29th TBD
- Friday, Oct. 30th TBD
** SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION – Saturday, DEC. 5th ( Hours TBD)
- Monday, September 21st - Nomination Papers Available
- Wednesday, October 14th - Last day to obtain nomination papers
- Friday, October 16th – Last day to file nomination papers
- Tuesday, October 20th – Last day to withdraw
- Monday, November 23rd - Post Warrant
- Wednesday, November 25th – Last day to register to vote/change party
- Saturday, December 5th – Election Day
Thursday, August 20, 2020
"Voters who chose to vote-by-mail can track their ballots on the secretary of state’s website"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Secretary of State’s Office has already mailed out almost 950,000 ballots in advance of the Sept. 1 primary election, representing nearly a quarter of the state’s 4.5 million registered voters.
The estimate of ballots mailed so far comes as the United States Postal Service faces increased scrutiny over whether it will be able to deliver mail-in ballots on time for local clerks to count them. USPS officials set off an uproar in late July when they warned states that deadlines for requesting and casting mail-in ballots are incongruous with the Postal Services’ delivery standard.
But on Tuesday, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy issued a statement saying that he would suspend operational initiatives “that have been raised as areas of concern as the nation prepares to hold an election in the midst of a devastating pandemic” until after the election, to avoid the appearance of effects on electoral mail.
Secretary of State William Galvin said about 149,000 ballots have been returned to local clerks and he expects mail-in voting will help boost participation while taking into account public health guidelines. The state’s top election official said “a lot of people” who requested ballots were primarily motivated by voting in the November general election, adding that more than a million people asked for ballots for the general election."
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-voters-how-to-return-your-mail.html
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Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg |
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1
COUNCILLOR (Governor’s Council)
The Governor's Council is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio. They provide advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury.
For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/governors-council
- ROBERT L. JUBINVILLE Democrat https://www.votejubinville.com/
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
REGISTER OF PROBATE NORFOLK COUNTY
The register of probate administers the probate court, which primarily handles family legal matters (including divorce and child custody cases), and wills and estates. The register of probate provides the court's services and keeps the court's records.
For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/locations/norfolk-probate-and-family-court
- COLLEEN MARIE BRIERLEY Democrat https://www.facebook.com/Colleen4Probate/
- NOEL T. DiBONA Democrat https://www.facebook.com/Noeldibonaprobate/
- KATHRYN E. HUBLEY Democrat https://kathyhubley.com/
- COURTNEY M. MADDEN Democrat https://courtneymadden.org/
- MICHAEL F. WALSH Democrat https://walshforprobate.com/
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
COUNTY TREASURER NORFOLK COUNTY
The County Treasurer is responsible for the collection, custody and management all money belonging to the County government, and disbursement of those funds according to law. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping financial records, including bills, vouchers, and documentation of borrowings and debt, to be accessible for future reference., and annually prepares and publishes a report of the County receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
The Treasurer also acts as Chairman of the County Retirement Board.
The County Treasurer is an elected official serving a six-year term.
For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/treasurer
- MICHAEL G. BELLOTTI Democrat https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Government-Official/Mike-Bellotti-for-Norfolk-County-Treasurer-125523504157200/
- BRAD L. CROALL Democrat https://www.bradcroall.com/
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
COUNTY COMMISSIONER NORFOLK COUNTY
The Norfolk County Commissioners' Office is charged with implementing policy, budget and other decisions of the elected board of Commissioners. The office's duties include personnel, purchasing, management information systems, and general administration. For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/commissioners-office
- JOSEPH P. SHEA Democrat https://www.facebook.com/SheaforNorfolk/
- DENNIS J. GUILFOYLE Democrat https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/Dennis-Guilfoyle-for-Norfolk-County-Commissioner-109258227331366/
- CHARLES B. RYAN Democrat https://www.votecharlieryan.com/
- RICHARD R. STAITI Democrat http://www.votestaiticommissioner.com/
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
SHERIFF (VACANCY) NORFOLK COUNTY
The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support.
For more information, go to https://www.norfolksheriff.com/
- JAMES F. COUGHLIN Democrat https://coughlin2020.com/
- PATRICK W. McDERMOTT Democrat https://www.patrickmcdermott.org/
- WILLIAM J. PHELAN Democrat https://www.phelanforsheriff.com/
- JERRY P. McDERMOTT Republican https://www.sheriffjerrymcdermott.com/
There are no candidates for the Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
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Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1 |
Friday, August 14, 2020
"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"President Donald Trump declared Thursday that he opposes additional funding for the U.S. Postal Service, acknowledging that his position would starve the agency of money Democrats say it needs to process an anticipated surge in mail-in ballots during the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump also claimed anew — falsely — that Democrats were pushing for universal mail-in voting and predicted without providing evidence that mail-in voting would lead to massive voter fraud in the November election. Polls indicate Trump is in for a tough reelection fight against Democrat Joe Biden.
The Republican president said on Fox Business Network that among the big sticking points for a new congressional virus relief package were the Democrats’ demands for billions of dollars to assist states in protecting the election and to help postal workers process mail-in ballots.
“They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” Trump said on “Mornings with Maria,” adding, “If they don’t get those two items, that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting because they’re not equipped to have it.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200813/trump-opposes-postal-money-that-would-help-vote-by-mail?rssfeed=true
Editorial note: There is a work around for this attack on our democratic process. Apply for a mail-in ballot, when it arrives, rather than mailing it back, use the drive through drop off box at the Municipal Building to deliver it safely to the Town Clerk. Of course, if you choose to vote in person either with 'early voting' or on September 1 for the Primary, and November 3 for the election, that is also good.
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"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights" |
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
2020 Election Collection
Voices of Franklin: Alan Earls - questions diversity of election = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/voices-of-franklin-alan-r-earls-most.html
General Election - November 3
Primary - Sep 1, 2020
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2020 Election Collection |