Showing posts with label early voting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label early voting. Show all posts

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


Commonwealth Magazine: "Voting reforms reinvigorated democracy"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

"When the Legislature passed an unprecedented expansion of mail-in voting, they did it for this year only, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that makes crowding into polling places unsafe.

But now, amid record-breaking turnout in this week’s primary, some are calling for mail-in voting to become a permanent feature of Massachusetts elections.

“Voter turnout in the September 1 primary makes one thing abundantly clear– vote by mail should be here to stay,” said Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE, a coalition that aims to expand voting access, in a statement.

The last time turnout in a state primary election topped 1 million was in 1990, when 1.5 million people voted. This year, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin says that turnout will be more than 1.5 million, although he still did not have a final number. "


"AT THE START of July, the Legislature passed a landmark bill to expand early voting, implement a secure vote-by-mail system, and strengthen safety measures for in-person voting. Tuesday’s primary was the first major test of these important reforms. They worked.

More people voted in this year’s state primary than ever before. According to preliminary data, over 1.6 million voters cast ballots, totaling more than a third of all registered voters. In recent state primaries, fewer than 1 million voters have showed up at the polls, with voter participation rates mired in the teens and low twenties. This year, several competitive races for Congress helped increase voter participation, but the high turnout was also a product of Massachusetts’ new election laws. In the face of an ongoing  pandemic, Massachusetts did not simply protect voting rights—we reinvigorated our democracy.

The Legislature’s voting reforms gave voters several different ways to cast their ballot. For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, voters had the choice to vote by mail, to vote in person during a week-long early voting window, or to vote in person on the day of the election. The intent was to empower voters to vote in a way that worked best for them, and it is clear that people availed themselves of the opportunity. Over 1 million people requested mail-in ballots, 180,000 people voted during early voting, and hundreds of thousands more went to the polls on election day. While the vast majority of people who requested a mail-in ballot were able to return it successfully, voters still had the ability to vote in person if they encountered difficulties in the vote-by-mail process."
Continue reading the article online

Commonwealth Magazine:  "Voting reforms reinvigorated democracy"
Commonwealth Magazine:  "Voting reforms reinvigorated democracy"


Friday, September 4, 2020

In the News: Franklin vote completes after midnight Thursday (Friday morning)

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

"On Thursday afternoon, Debra O’Malley, a spokesperson with Secretary of State William Galvin’s office, said 3,000 full ballots had been misplaced in Franklin and went uncounted on election night. The same thing happened with about 750 ballots in Newton and 100 ballots in Wellesley.

Because ballots must be counted in view of the public, and on election night, tabulating the missing ballots after that day required a Suffolk Superior Court order, which the Secretary’s office says was granted at about 5 p.m. Wednesday night.

Previous reports put the number of uncounted ballots in Franklin at about 600."


Boston Globe article

Commonwealth Magazine article

Why did it take so long? The manual process of counting is not efficient
Why did it take so long? The manual process of counting is not efficient



Thursday, September 3, 2020

You can help with the Franklin Voter's Guide update for November's Election

The Franklin Voter's Guide is being updated for the November election. This time the group developing the guide is looking to get questions for the candidates sourced from Franklin residents and voters.  

Please take a couple of minutes to respond. This is only a two question survey. 

What are the most important issues for you in the State Senate and State Representative races?  

If you could pass the survey on or circulate to your friends and neighbors, that would be great.  

Survey link =  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T5TGPQH 

You can help with the Franklin Voter's Guide update for November's Election
You can help with the Franklin Voter's Guide update for November's Election


The Franklin Voter's Guide for the Primary was previously shared here


Tuesday, September 1, 2020

In the News: task force formed to tackle car thieves; primary may see record turnout

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

"Several area communities have been targeted by two apparent separate groups of car thieves, and now a task force is seeking to catch the suspects. 
Hopkinton Police said a task force made up of themselves, Holliston, Sherborn, Franklin, Medway, Millis and Wrentham police departments, as well as the Massachusetts State Police, are searching for the suspects. 
“Our detectives have been monitoring this for quite some time,” Hopkinton Chief Joseph Bennett said Monday. 
The task force was set up about three weeks ago. The car thefts, as well as car break-ins, have been occurring for about three months, Detective Sgt. Scott van Raalten said."

 

“I think we all know this has been an extraordinary year for virtually everything about our lives, and elections are no different,” Galvin, the state’s elections overseer, said at a State House press conference. 
“We’re having an election tomorrow, I think under the most unusual circumstances.” 
On the eve of a primary election in which ways to participate have been reshaped around the COVID-19 pandemic, Galvin provided a turnout forecast -- he expects 1.2 million to 1.3 million votes, once all are tallied -- and laid out the ground rules for voters."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

Sunday, August 23, 2020

In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"

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

Forgive your town clerk if she looks a little bleary-eyed. 
“We’re working around the clock,” Sudbury Town Clerk Beth Klein said. “We’re working weekends. We’re working late at night.” 
With a little more than a week until the Sept. 1 state primary, town clerks throughout the region set up COVID-19-safe sites for a week of state-mandated, in-person early voting that began Saturday, piling the job on top of weeks of unexpected, labor-intensive, mail-in voting work. 
“We’re trying to do the best we can. It’s just a very, very short time frame that we had to do this,” said Ashland Town Clerk Tara Ward, adding that other town departments have pitched in to help. “It was a tight squeeze. All of a sudden we were slammed.” 
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  

Vote Early In Person:  FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM
  • Sunday Aug. 23         10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
  • Monday, Aug. 24         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM                      
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, Aug. 27       9:00 AM -  3:00 PM
  • Friday, Aug. 28            9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"
In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"

Friday, August 21, 2020

Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote

Last Day To Register To Vote:   

August 22, 2020


First Day for Early Voting


Vote Early In Person:  FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM
(1 week) starting Saturday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 28th
  • Saturday, Aug. 22      10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday Aug. 23         10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
  • Monday, Aug. 24         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM                      
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, Aug. 27       9:00 AM -  3:00 PM
  • Friday, Aug. 28            9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote
Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote

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

State Primary Election Information - Early voting schedule, election day - September 1

State Primary Election Information

The MASSACHUSETTS STATE PRIMARY will be held on Tuesday, September 1, from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm in the Franklin High School Gym

Early Voting will be available for one week starting Saturday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 28th.  All early voting hours will also be held in the Franklin High School gym. Find the early voting schedule posted below:

  • Saturday, Aug. 22nd   10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Aug. 23rd       10:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Monday, Aug. 24th      9:00 am–3:00 pm                                             
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25th      9:00 am–3:00 pm             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26th   9:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Thursday, Aug. 27th     9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Friday, Aug. 28th          9:00 am -12:00 pm

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office with any questions.  www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Thank you! 

Read more  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/state-primary-election-information

State Primary Election Information - Early voting, election day
State Primary Election Information - Early voting, election day

"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