Senator Rausch: How to vote by mail!

Dear friends,

Did you know you can vote by mail, vote in person early, *or* head to the polls on Election Day in Massachusetts for both the 2020 primary AND general election? As a registered voter, you have all three options!

If you want to vote by mail, while I fought tooth and nail for universal, automatic vote by mail, unfortunately your mail-in ballot isn't automatically headed to you. There are a few steps you must take to ensure you get your mail-in ballots and your votes get counted in this critically important election year. You may have already received your 2020 vote-by-mail application in the mail.

I made a quick 2-minute explainer on how to successfully cast your ballot by mail for this year's elections. Take a look here:

https://www.facebook.com/beccarauschMA/videos/vb.291207158202406/1404952053028499/?type=2&theater (Video on Facebook or via link below)

I fought incredibly hard to bring vote by mail to our Commonwealth, and I'm deeply proud that voters won't have to choose between casting a ballot and staying safe during a global pandemic. In such uncertain times, it is crucial that we protect our democracy by preserving our constitutional right to vote.

You can also visit my new elections guide on my website to learn everything about your voting options for 2020, including mail-in ballots, registering to vote, key deadlines, and frequently asked questions about voting by mail in Massachusetts.

Stay cool and stay safe, everyone!


Yours in service,


Senator Becca Rausch

Senator Rausch: How to vote by mail!

You can also view the video on Senator Rausch's page
https://www.beccarauschma.com/2020-elections?fbclid=IwAR0JTftYnvScc5JtdMEOCSsKLxXb7w-TMR5mlb4rw-jc8N7NORS1GQ48RRQ

To vote by mail in 2020, the application is available at the Town Clerk's page

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin

"SECRETARY OF STATE William Galvin has started mailing out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in Massachusetts, and all the applications should be sent out by Tuesday.

If that happens, voting rights groups say they will dismiss a lawsuit they filed earlier this week accusing Galvin of ignoring a state-mandated deadline for sending out the applications.

If the mailings are sent out, “We have no reason to doubt that we would be willing to voluntarily dismiss,” said Oren Sellstrom, an attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, which represents the voting rights groups, at a hearing before Supreme Judicial Court Justice Frank Gaziano on Friday.

A new state law allowing mail-in voting during the pandemic required Galvin to send out applications for mail-in ballots to every registered voter by July 15, in advance of the September 1 state primary election."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/mail-in-ballot-applications-on-their-way-to-voters/

You do not need to wait for the application in the mail. A copy is on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-vote-by-mail-application_-_primary.pdf

Additional info on the 2020 Elections can be found on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/2020-election-information

As we get into August, we'll start the "Election Collection" to gather all the 4th Congressional District candidate info, the Sep 1 primary info and the Nov 3 election info.

Boston Globe: "Mail-in voting isn’t ‘fraudulent,’ despite Trump’s claims. Here’s what experts say"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest to Franklin:

"President Trump on Friday continued to ramp up his rhetoric attacking states for passing vote-by-mail laws amid the coronavirus pandemic, this time claiming that while absentee voting is acceptable, voting by mail is not. But the two are largely the same thing, according voting rights advocates and state officials. 

The tweets came as Trump’s polling numbers continue to sag, and just days after Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bill allowing all Massachusetts voters to cast ballots by mail this fall. 

In his tweets Friday, Trump said that absentee voting was fine, but vote-by-mail programs are rife with fraud. But absentee voting and mail-in voting are largely the same thing, according to a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Bill Galvin. 

“There is no substantive difference in the process between voting absentee and voting by mail,” Debra O’Malley told the Globe Friday. “Both systems require the voter to submit a signed application to their local election official, wait to receive their ballot in the mail, and return their marked ballot to their local election official by Election Day. Both types of ballots require a signature on the ballot envelope which is matched to the voter’s signature on file.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/10/nation/fact-check-president-trump-keeps-calling-mail-in-voting-fraudulent-election-officials-advocates-say-otherwise/

Get your vote by mail application at the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/2020-election-information

Additional election info can be found on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's page
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

In the News: conference committee resolves difference on ballot bill; Big-E canceled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The House and Senate are poised this week to approve compromise early voting and vote-by-mail legislation that should pave the way for a major expansion of options ahead of the 2020 election to encourage participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All six lawmakers appointed to find a compromise on the bill (H 4820) signed onto a report Monday, including Republicans Rep. Brad Hill and Sen. Ryan Fattman. Rep. John Lawn, the lead House negotiator on the bill, said he anticipates a vote of the full House on the final bill Tuesday while the Senate plans to take it up Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the Senate president’s office.

“Hopefully we’ll take this up tomorrow and then to the Senate and get it to the governor as soon as possible,” Lawn said.

The House and Senate versions of the bill instruct the secretary of state’s office to mail every voter an application to request a mail-in ballot for the primaries on Sept. 1 and the general election on Nov. 3. The goal, lawmakers have said, is to continue in-person voting but to allow voters cast their votes early if they wish or to avoid the polls altogether if they feel unsafe due to virus transmission risks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/voting-early-by-mail-nears-approval-by-house-senate

"Organizers announced Monday their decision to cancel the 2020 Big E Fair in the interest of safety.

The event was scheduled to be held from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Approximately 1.6 million people attend the annual event.

“The Big E Fair is so much more than just a fair, it is tradition, it is celebration, it is the showcase of everything we are so proud of in New England. This is why our hearts are heavy as we bring you this news,” a spokesperson wrote.

Organizers said staff spent months trying to figure out a way to save the event, but “realized that The Big E experience that everyone has come to know and love would not be the same.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/2020-big-e-canceled-because-of-coronavirus-outbreak

Senate Unanimously Passes Comprehensive Elections Bill to Address Voting Safety Concerns during COVID-19

The Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to expand voter access and address safety for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1, 2020 state primary and November 3, 2020 general election, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19, would, for the first time in state history, give all eligible residents the opportunity to vote early for the state primary and general election, allow residents to vote-by-mail, and expand absentee ballot access.

“The elections bill passed today is a historic step that dramatically increases voting access in our Commonwealth,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill would allow voters, for the first time, to cast ballots by mail, vote early and safely vote in person – allowing residents to safely exercise their important right to vote during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate has always championed greater participation in our democracy, and I am proud that ideas we’ve originated over the years are contained in this bill. I would like to thank my colleagues, including Senators Finegold, Creem, and Rodrigues for their urgency in advancing this bill, and I look forward to it becoming law.”

“One of our most important duties is to ensure we have an accessible and inclusive election process that is free and fair,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D -Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I applaud Senate President Spilka and Senator Finegold for their leadership to preserve equal access to safe and secure voting options for all voters the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and my colleagues for taking action to remove barriers and safeguard our democracy by ensuring all voices are heard without putting our communities at risk during this uncertain time.”

“This legislation is going to give people many options to vote this fall,” said Senate Election Laws Committee Chair Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “This bill continues to move Massachusetts toward secure and easy elections by providing vote-by-mail for the primary and general elections, offering an online portal to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the general election, adding early voting in person for the primary, and maintaining the option to vote in person on election day.”

“As a passionate advocate for increasing voter participation, I am pleased that the bill adopted in the Senate today will provide voters with the voting options they need to ensure widespread participation while protecting the health and safety of election workers and voters alike,” said Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and voters should not have to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote. Today’s action ensures that this will not be the case.”

“While almost every dimension of our lives has been disrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our system of elections is the bedrock of our democracy and must continue to function. The measures contained in this bill expand options to facilitate voting while at the same time protecting the integrity of the process and the health of voters,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester).

The bill does the following:

• Implements an early vote-by-mail system: An application to receive an early voting ballot will be mailed to all registered voters by July 15, 2020. The Secretary will then mail another application for the general election in the voter booklet sent out in the fall. Both applications and ballots will be postage paid.
• Creates early voting for the primary and expands early voting periods: For the first time in Massachusetts, early voting will be available for the state primary, to take place from Saturday, August 22, 2020 through Friday, August 28, 2020. Early voting for the general election would take place from Tuesday, October 17, 2020 to Friday, October 30, 2020. Early voting hours would vary according to the size of the municipality in order to give voters ample opportunity to participate while not overburdening small towns’ election departments. Voters may return their early voting ballot in the mail, in a secure drop box, or in person.
• Tasks the Secretary of State with creating an online portal: The bill requires Secretary Galvin’s office to create an online portal by October 1, 2020 to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for general election early voting ballots electronically.
• Expands absentee voting: The bill provides for absentee voting by any person taking precautions related to COVID-19. Voters may also return absentee ballots via a secure drop box.
• Provides tools to assist clerks: Acknowledging the increased burden these options may place on municipalities and clerks, the bill also provides for several accommodations to make the logistics of processing votes easier. The legislation allows for tabulating ballots prior to election day, and it offers pre-addressed envelopes to voters, so their applications go directly to their clerk’s office.
• Makes in-person voting more efficient: The bill allows municipalities to consolidate polling places and eliminate the check-out table at these locations, allowing for a more efficient process and fewer poll workers. It also expands who is eligible to serve as a poll worker, knowing that many current volunteers are seniors who may feel less comfortable working in public during COVID-19.

The legislation must now be reconciled with the Massachusetts House of Representatives.   https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2755

"this is common ground that we found and we think the right way to go"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Every registered voter in Massachusetts would receive an application by mid-July to request a ballot to vote by mail in the 2020 elections under a plan released Friday by House and Senate Democrats intended to create more options for voters to safely participate in the electoral process during the coronavirus pandemic.

The proposal for expanded voting-by-mail would be coupled with in-person early voting before both the primary and general elections in September and November, and traditional voting at a local polling station during both elections.

With the bill, state lawmakers are inserting themselves directly into a fiery national debate over the integrity of mail-in voting, with President Donald Trump at the center of the conflagration. Trump has suggested that mailboxes would be robbed and ballots would be forged or fraudulently signed as states moved to vote-by-mail, despite five states already using this system without trouble before the pandemic.

The co-chairs of the Election Laws Committee, Rep. John Lawn, D-Watertown, and Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, released a bill on Friday night, giving members of their committee 48 hours to review and vote on whether to recommend the bill to the full House and Senate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200530/lawmakers-offer-vast-expansion-of-voting-options

Quick summary:

• an application would be mailed to registered voters to choose ballot by mail
• early election time for both Sept primary and Nov election
• allow for only check in desk at poll to reduce poll worker staffing

voting booths and check in for Franklin voters at FHS

"there are so many details that go into planning an election"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Legislation outlining vote-by-mail procedures for the September and November elections in Massachusetts “absolutely cannot wait another month,” electoral reform advocates said Wednesday as they renewed their push for action on Beacon Hill.

Under normal circumstances, local departments need several months to prepare fully for major statewide elections, particularly in a presidential year. But with the COVID-19 pandemic upending most aspects of public life - and with voters broadly supporting mail-in ballots - reform advocates argued it is critical for lawmakers to quickly find consensus on the myriad proposals before them.

The Sept. 1 primary is less than 100 days away, and Secretary of State William Galvin wants to begin printing ballots as soon as June 2.

“Election officials need to prepare for the fall, and they need to do it as soon as possible,” said Common Cause Massachusetts Executive Director Pam Wilmot during a virtual press conference alongside about a dozen groups. “We’ll see what the Legislature decides, but time is absolutely of the essence and it needs to go now.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200523/vote-by-mail-forces-growing-anxious-about-timeline

"there are so many details that go into planning an election"

Franklin: Early Voting Turnout

Early Voting Results:

• Monday, 2/24 253
• Tuesday, 2/25 264
• Wednesday, 2/26 356
• Thursday, 2/27 244
• Friday, 2/28 290

TOTAL; 1,407


Good Week!!!! Have a nice weekend.

Teresa


Teresa M. Burr, CMC
Franklin Town Clerk
355 East Central St.
Franklin, MA 02038
(508)520-4900
tburr@franklinma.gov

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - March 3, 2020
STATE PRIMARY - September 1, 2020
STATE ELECTION - November 3, 2020
VOTE and the choice is yours
DON'T VOTE and the choice is theirs
REGISTER or you have no choice
www.registertovotema.com

Franklin: Early Voting Turnout

In the News: Early voting underway; 39 state coalition to sue Juul Labs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Daily News is tracking early voting turnout in our largest communities. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the numbers for Framingham, Franklin, Hopkinton, Natick, Marlborough, Milford, Hudson and Medway. 

Want to vote early this year? Massachusetts allows it, although its convenience could vary based on where you live. 

In an effort to boost voter turnout, early voting first started in 2016. This is first time voting has been allowed during a primary."

In the table for Franklin, there were 253 voters on Monday and 264 voters on Tuesday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200225/how-many-people-have-voted-early-day-by-day-counts-on-voter-turnout

Early voting sign in the lobby of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

"A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday. 

Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company’s vaping products. 

The state officials said they also will investigate the company’s claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices. 

“I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200225/a-world-of-hurt-39-states-to-investigate-juuls-marketing

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins today (Feb 24)

Early voting for the March 3rd Primary election will be held Monday, February 24th - Friday, February 28th in the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. 

• Monday 8 AM - 4 PM

• Tuesday  8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

Specimen ballot for the March 3 Presidential Primary for Town of Franklin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT2O5dnk16Y7zaF6IDGqj_r9CCYVTf33/view?usp=sharing

Election Information for Early voting Feb 24 - Feb 28

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins Feb 24

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins Feb 24

Early voting for the March 3rd Primary election will be held Monday, February 24th - Friday, February 28th in the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. 

• Monday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Tuesday  8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

Election Information for Early voting Feb 24 - Feb 28

“If there’s one thing that’s got to be funded, it’s elections"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"This year is the first in which early voting is an option in Massachusetts for a presidential primary.

The five extra days for voters are designed, in part, to reduce traffic and headaches on Super Tuesday - March 3 - when polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the state.

“For absentee ballots, you have to be either out of town or can’t physically get there because of a disability or religious (reasons),” said Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr. “With early voting, you don’t need an excuse. You can just come in and vote. It makes it more easily accessible.”

Franklin has set its hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, in order to help accommodate people who work outside of town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200221/early-voting-starts-monday-effort-is-to-reduce-headaches-on-super-tuesday

Absentee Ballots now available for March 3 Presidential Primary

ABSENTEE BALLOTS are now Available
for the Presidential Primary
at the Town Clerk’s Office

Absentee Ballot Information: 
Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to the following reasons may vote absentee in the Town Clerk’s Office up to 12:00 noon Monday, March 2nd.

(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) Religious belief.

To request an Absentee Ballot:
(1) Email: (tburr@franklinma.gov) to request an absentee ballot form
(2) Visit the Town Clerk’s website at (franklinma.gov) to print out an Absentee Ballot request form and either email to (tburr@franklinma.gov) or fax (508)520-4913.

EARLY VOTING: Monday, February 24
thru Friday, February 28
During Regular Business Hours Only!!

MON: 8:00 – 400 PM
TUE: 8:00 – 400 PM
WED: 8:00 – 6:00 PM
THU: 8:00 – 400 PM
FRI: 8:00 – 1:00 PM 

If you have any questions, please contact:
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
(508)520-4900 or 
Email Teresa M. Burr at (tburr@franklinma.gov)

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2020TIME: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMPLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
*ALL PRECINCTS*

Absentee Ballots now available for March 3 Presidential Primary

Franklin Voters: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - Info

2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd 2020
Franklin High School: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

EARLY VOTING

FRANKLIN TOWN HALL – TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
FEBRUARY 24 – FEBRUARY 28

*DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS:*

• MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 8 AM – 4 PM
• WEDNESDAY, 8 AM – 6 PM, FRIDAY, 8 AM – 1 PM

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

OR

CHANGE PARTY AFFILIATION

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Town Clerk’s Office till 8:00 PM
Or online www.registertovotema.com


Download a copy of this as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SS9wDi-U88EX43s0pSCgY-VQpaDq_lxp/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Voters: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - Info

 

"Promote participation of eligible voters in elections"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In Massachusetts, automatic voter registration begins Jan. 1 as directed by legislation that state lawmakers passed and Gov. Charlie Baker signed in 2018. 

When Baker signed the election-reform bill two summers ago, Massachusetts became the 14th state, plus Washington, D.C., to adopt an automatic-voter registration system. 

Now, beginning immediately in the new year, the state registers eligible citizens to vote when they interact with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth and Health Connector – unless they opt out. The system will be in place ahead of the presidential primaries in March, according to Secretary of State William F. Galvin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191227/in-massachusetts-automatic-voter-registration-begins-jan-1

For more on the MA Legislation
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c51-ss-65

For more about Franklin voting, visit the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

In the News: Party for the Pantry a success; early voting proposed for MA 2020 Presidential Primary

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The fourth annual Party for the Pantry was a success once again, even more so than last year. 

Last week, more than 100 residents packed into the Black Box Theater to support the Franklin Food Pantry, as well as to party with local bands and neighbors all night long. 

William Donovan, one of the event organizers, said they crushed their expectations for this year. 

“Last year was the first year we hit $10,000, so every year we feel like we have to better ourselves,” he said. “This year we took in $13,600. Now I’m thinking about how we’re going to top it next year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190516/party-for-pantry-another-success-for-franklins-food-pantry

Franklin Food Pantry

Early voting proposed for MA 2020 Presidential Primary

"Ten months before the 2020 Massachusetts presidential primary, Secretary of State William Galvin is trying to force lawmakers to decide whether to expand early voting and give voters five extra days beginning in February cast their ballots. 

Galvin, who has previously backed an expansion of early voting to include the presidential primary election, drafted a proposal that Sen. Michael Brady, of Brockton, has filed as an amendment to the state budget. 

If adopted when the Senate debates its version of the fiscal 2020 spending bill next week, the question of early voting in the 2020 primary will move into conference committee negotiations between the House and Senate. 

“Early voting has been enormously popular in Massachusetts since we began offering it in 2016,” Galvin said in a statement Thursday. “Expanding early voting to include the Presidential Primaries will make it much more convenient for voters to show up and have their voices heard.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190516/secretary-of-state-wants-early-voting-ahead-of-presidential-primary-in-massachusetts

Franklin - Unofficial Results for Nov 6. 2018 State election

With over 14,000 voters turning out via absentee, early voters and those who came out on a rainy day Franklin has the following results: Note all of these are currently UNOFFICIAL for the State Election on Nov 6,2018.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vL5cv_v-RE_b9usbd1KzVufEnpQ5Oyf3/view?usp=sharing

Election Information for Nov 2018

In the News: "The average voter shouldn’t be too concerned about foreign interference in elections"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Americans are now voting in the first major election since Russians launched a broad assault on the 2016 presidential campaign. 

And while election officials and security experts remain vigilant through Election Day, voters have a critical role in the fight to keep elections safe and accessible. 

The average voter shouldn’t be too concerned about foreign interference in elections, said Maurice Turner, a senior technologist at the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington, D.C. But, he said, that doesn’t mean she should be passive about secure elections. 

By understanding the system, its flaws and what needs changing, voters can call for accountability from election officials and state policymakers.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181104/voters-guide-to-election-security

The article doesn't get into specifics for MA or for Franklin. We do use paper ballots and the machines that tally each precinct total are not online or susceptible to hacking. The entire voter registration system for MA was built on a private network also reducing chances for hacking externally.

The Franklin Town Clerk has a well documented and executed plan for tallying the vote. She has police assistance at all times. Anyone who has voted at the high school should recall the police on duty.

As voters, we need to worry about how we are going to cast our ballot and not worry that it won't be counted.

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html

Election Information for Nov 2018

Election day - Nov 6 - past election vote totals

Per the Town Clerk's office, the registered voter totals as of Oct 17, 2018 (last day to be eligible for Nov 6)

as of 10/17/18
Precinct Number	Active	Inactive	Total
1	2463	136	2599
2	2782	214	2996
3	2663	227	2890
4	2971	163	3134
5	2939	147	3086
6	2423	252	2675
7	2863	124	2987
8	2870	99	2969
	21974	1362	23336

Major elections in 'recent' times for Franklin

Election	Total #	% of T
Franklin 2003	3232	18.3%
Presidential 2004	15480	83.2%
Franklin 2005	3119	17.2%
State 2006	11548	62.2%
Override 2007	8759	46.3%
Franklin 2007	3845	20.3%
Override 2008	7693	40.7%
Presidential 2008	16793	84.4%
Franklin 2009	3244	16.3%
Special 2010	13418	68.8%
Override 2010	7966	39.6%
State 2010	12829	63.8%
Franklin 2011	4517	22.6%
Franklin High School 2012	9971	48.6%
Presidential 2012	17546	83.4%
Franklin 2013	2527	12.0%
State 2014	12267	59.3%
Franklin Special 2014	217	1.0%
Franklin 2015	3844	18.6%
Presidential 2016	18433	86.3%
Franklin 2017	3916	17.3%

State 2018                                          ???         ???

Election day - Nov 6 - past election vote totals

Per Teresa Burr, we have already recorded 3,923 early votes for this election. That is more than the Franklin election in 2017 although by percent voters slightly less (16.4%)

The totals can be printed out from this file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkiLIhY4JiSOwhvST2TDHZ-QnmrI75LT/view?usp=sharing

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html

Election Information for Nov 2018

In the News: Milford girls join boy scouts; early voting busy in area

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Starting in February, girls between the ages of 11 and 17 can be Boy Scouts – sort of. 

“We see it as an opportunity to include the entire family, not just a few of them,” said Rob Hillman, district executive for the Boy Scouts of America region that includes Milford. “Scouting as a whole is a great program for all youth, and we want to make that available to everyone, not just boys.” 

The terms will change, said Hillman. The girls won’t be called “Boy Scouts,” but neither will the boys. Instead, both genders will be “Scouts.” The national organization will also drop gender from its title, cutting it to “Scouts BSA,” though the “B” still stands for “boy.” 

Milford will be home to one of the organization’s newest all-female troops."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181029/boys-scouts-to-accept-girls-in-milford

"Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr also said she’s noticed an increase in the amount of young voters at the early polls. She said that the governor’s race is a driving factor, but the ballot questions are what are really bringing people to the ballot box. 

“A lot of the younger crowds are coming out to vote,” she said, with a hint of pride behind her voice. “It’s really just great to see that they’re very interested in our democracy.” 

Burr noticed voters are very interested in the three ballot questions. 

“Some people really are confused on the questions,” she said. “They’re going back and forth ... 1,767,  7.6 percent voter turnout as of Saturday due to early voting."

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181029/milford-area-clerks-impressed-by-early-voting-turnout

Election Information for Nov 2018