Showing posts with label absentee ballot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label absentee ballot. Show all posts

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"

Direct ink to the legislative bill -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3973

MMA: "Gov. signs law extending voting provisions through Dec. 15"
MMA: "Gov. signs law extending voting provisions through Dec. 15"


Monday, November 2, 2020

Franklin Voters: Election 2020 reminders

The early voting period completed Friday (Oct 30) at noon time.
 
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.

If you plan on voting in person, all precincts vote in one location: Franklin High School. Parking should be available. It is a professional development day for the district, teachers may be around but no students.

Poll hours are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. (Note: this is a change as most prior elections open at 6 AM but not this time. Plan accordingly.)

According to the Town Clerk, more than 50% of the registered Franklin voters have already cast their ballots (via mail or early vote) so while it will be busy (10,000 plus voters anticipated) it shouldn't be too crazy.

If you need information to prepare to cast an informed vote, the Franklin voters guide can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-community-voting-guide.html

Info on Ballot Question 3 - Community Preservation Act can be found here

The "election collection" of all the posts from the Primary through today can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html



voting booths at FHS, taken during an observation period this weekend
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
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

With the Primary behind us, and a record voter participation, the run up to the November election will not end the season for Franklin. There is a special election on Dec 5, (yes, a Saturday) to select the replacement for Town Councilor Eamon McCarthy Earls, who resigned effective Sep 6 to go to law school.

The Town Charter requires a replacement election within 90 days, hence Dec 5.
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
November 3 and Special Election (Dec 5) Schedule
November 3 and Special Election (Dec 5) Schedule


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."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Your application and ballot tracker  

Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-voters-how-to-return-your-mail.html

Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg
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

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

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

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

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/

There are no candidates for the Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1
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.

"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"
"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

2020 Election Collection

This will collect the information gathered for the elections of 2020. First for the Primary, September 1, and then for the general election on November 3. A special election is also scheduled for Dec 5 to fill the Town Council slot left open by Eamon Earls' resignation to go to law school. The most recent items will be on top, scroll down to find those that come earlier.
 
 
Special Election - Dec 5 (fill one Town Council seat)
 


Voices of Franklin: Paula & Herb Gross encourage vote for Frongillo = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/voices-of-franklin-paula-herb-gross.html

Voices of Franklin: Alan Earls  - questions diversity of election = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/voices-of-franklin-alan-r-earls-most.html

Voices of Franklin:  Paul DeBaggis "Thoughts on the current  election" = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/voices-of-franklin-paul-debaggis.html

Milford Daily News article with candidate statements = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/in-news-town-council-candidate.html
 
 
 

 
Town Council candidate - Greg Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
 
Elections: Voting for Military and Overseas US Citizens = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/elections-voting-for-military-and.html
 
 
Vote tallies required to be sent to State by Nov 18 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/municipalities-have-until-nov-18-to.html
 
Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html

Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
 
Town Council candidate  - Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html
 
 
 

General Election - November 3

 
 
In the News: Right to Repair passes, Ranked Choice fails = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/in-news-mass-voters-reject-ranked.html
 
 
 
 
MDN article “People see the opportunity to protect the best for our town" =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/people-see-opportunity-to-protect-best.html


Voices of Franklin: Barry Kassler responds to James Gianotti Jr on the Community Preservation Act = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/voices-of-franklin-barry-kassler.html 

Voices of Franklin: James Gianotti Jr - "Just say NO to Question 3" =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/voices-of-franklin-james-gianotti-jr.html

MDN article on election processing featuring Town Clerks =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/we-have-new-procedures-and-protocols-in.html

Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici -"Have You Noticed, l Have" =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/voices-of-franklin-raymond-milici-have.html

 
Reminder -early voting, drive through window schedule = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-of-franklin-ma-early-voting-drive.html
 
Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici for Senator Becca Rausch = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/voices-of-franklin-raymond-d-milici-for.html
 

 
Community Preservation Act - information webinar (video) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/community-preservation-act-webinar-oct.html

 
Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-of-franklin-ma-sample-ballots-for.html
 
Community Preservation Act: Frequently Asked Questions - answered by CPAForFranklin = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/community-presrvation-act-frquently.html

 
State Senate Candidates Debate Oct 6, 2020 (YouTube video) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/state-senate-candidates-debate-oct-6.html
 
 
Hold the date (Oct 15 - 7 PM) for webinar on CPA = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/hold-date-oct-15-for-webinar-on.html
 
 

Franklin Community Voting Guide for November 2020 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-community-voting-guide.html
 
 
Official Town of Franklin business dropbox to be use for mail ballots = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-of-franklin-ma-business-drop-box.html

Three Voices of Franklin: For the Community Preservation Act = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/three-voices-of-franklin-vote-yes-for.html
 
 
Secretary of the Commonwealth's voter information mailer "the red brochure" = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/magov-information-for-voters-for-2020.html
 
 
Milford Daily News article on communities voting on Community Preservation Act (CPA) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/when-you-go-to-town-with-cpa-difference.html
 
Boston.com info to summarize Ballot Question 2 (ranked choice voting) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/bostondotcom-question-2-what-to-know.html
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scientific American endorses a candidate for first time = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/scientific-american-science-health.html
 
 
 
 
 

Primary - Sep 1, 2020

State controlled vote count completes after midnight = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/in-news-franklin-vote-completes-after.html
You can help with the voters guide for November election = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/you-can-help-with-franklin-voters-guide.html
Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/big-day-saturday-last-day-to-register.html
Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy, State Rep Brian Murray "We are with Joe Kennedy" =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/voices-of-franklin-state-rep-jeff-roy.html
4th District candidates on "ranked choice"; Pelosi endorses Kennedy =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/in-news-4th-district-candidates-for.html
FM #333 4th District Candidates Town Hall - 8/19/20 (audio) =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-333-4th-district-candidates-town.html
Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici - "Kennedy Supporter! Not Anymore"  =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/voices-of-franklin-raymond-d-milici.html
4th District candidate virtual Town Hall on race/racism =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/4th-district-candidates-town-hall-on.html
Frank Falvey interviews 4th District candidates  =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/wfprfm-4th-district-candidate.html
Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot  =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/other-state-officials-up-for-election.html
Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on primary voting  =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/voices-of-franklin-colin-cass-on-voting.html

Early voting schedule for Franklin voters - Sep 1 Primary =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/state-primary-election-information.html


MA legislature Senate and House candidates  =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/ma-legislature-senate-and-house.html

Frank Falvey 4th District candidate interview broadcast schedule for wfpr.fm =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/wfprfm-radio-broadcasts-to-help-with.html

US House candidate listing and web pages with their candidate info =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/us-house-candidates-september-1-primary.html

US Senate candidate listing and web pages with their candidate info = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/us-senate-candidates-september-1-primary.html

 

2020 Election Collection
2020 Election Collection