Showing posts with label election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label election. Show all posts

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Franklin TV: Veni, Vidi, Votum

I Came, I Saw, I Voted!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/03/2024


This year the locations for early voting in Framingham included the library dedicated to teacher/astronaut Christa McAuliffe.

Franklin TV: Veni, Vidi, Votum
Franklin TV: Veni, Vidi, Votum 
Never having seen it, Diane and I went to cast our votes and take in its soaring design as a new architectural landmark in town.

All libraries – new and old – are lovely places. An avid reader as a kid, I grew up in them. They were my Google/Internet, yada-yada.

We grow up, get busy and busier over time. Less and less time for the library. So our visit to the library was a return to my deeply personal place. Libraries are serene. So too, the act of voting is serene, as it should be. There’s also a bit of solemnity, and a quiet satisfaction that Diane and I did our tiny part in this grand experiment of democracy.

I also noted that a few folks glanced my way with a smile and a ‘thumbs up’.

What did they know? Odd.

Later in the day, I discovered that Diane placed an ‘I voted’ sticker on my back. (???) I suppose it’s better than ‘Kick me’.

If you haven’t yet, do find time to vote.

Vote – because you can.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   


Saturday, November 2, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 2, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 2
7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 
9am Advance deposit of early voted ballots (Franklin High School)
9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 
10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3pm Copley Cats Acapella Concert (Franklin Public Library) 
6pm Cinema 80: City Lights (Franklin Historical Museum)
6:30pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium) 
7pm Moxie (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater) 
7:30pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School) 
8pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Cedar House Restaurant & Bar, Walpole)
8pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)



**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming




Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024

Town of Franklin
Office of The Town Clerk
 

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for The State Election 11-5-2024


In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:

Monday, October 28th 9:00 AM
Tuesday, October 29th 9:00 AM
Wednesday, October 30th 9:00 AM
Thursday, October 31st 9:00 AM
Friday, November 1st         9:00 AM

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

Saturday, November 2nd    @9:00 AM
Sunday, November 3rd    @9:00 AM - IF NEEDED

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 5th. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024


Wednesday, October 23, 2024

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits - Nov 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits over the last 140 years…

Keyed up about the election? Learn about how and why Franklin has voted for presidents going back to the time of the Civil War! 

Local history educator, Jayson Joyce, has been delving into archives and histories to learn about Franklin’s voting habits going back to the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln (yes, he carried Franklin), with lots of other interesting bits about how the town has voted right up to the 2020 election. 

Also look for some other bits of museum ephemera and visuals relating to our political past, on exhibit until Thanksgiving ... 

Museum is open 1-4 with the presentation starting at 1:15. 

The Event is Free. 

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits - Nov 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM
As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits - Nov 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM

Monday, October 21, 2024

I caught up with Senator Rausch to review her accomplishments and future plans (audio)

FM #1292 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1292 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Senator Becca Rausch.  Due to the Senator’s full calendar we were fortunate to have booked this opportunity weeks ago. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conf bridge on Thursday, October 10, 2024.


The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1292-senator-becca-rausch-10-10-24/


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Senator Rausch MA Legislature page -> https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0 


Campaign page -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 


Sign up for her newsletter -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/newsletter 


Hey Sam support page -> https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/hey-sam/


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


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

 

How can you help?

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

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


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

 

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


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


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


I hope you enjoy!

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


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


Sunday, October 13, 2024

Town of Franklin: Town Council Meeting Agenda for October 16, 2024



1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. September 4, 2024
b. September 18, 2024
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. 2024 Election Workers
i. See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/appointments_-_election_workers.pdf
 
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 24-61: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8J (Disability Commission) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-61 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-61_-_disability_commission_local_acceptance_0.pdf
b. Bylaw Amendment 24-914: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-914 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/bylaw_amendments_24-914_915_916.pdf
c. Bylaw Amendment 24-915: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Sewers - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-915 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._1_-_bylaw_amendment_24-915_and_backup_materials_-_sewers.pdf
d. Bylaw Amendment 24-916: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-916 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_bylaw_amendment_24-915_and_backup_materials_-_snow_removal_bylaw.pdf
e. Resolution 24-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,125), Senior Center ($275) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-60 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-60_-_gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Green Communities Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee/Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Police Station Building Committee
f. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

Town of Franklin: Town Council Meeting Agenda for October 16, 2024
Town of Franklin: Town Council Meeting Agenda for October 16, 2024

Friday, October 4, 2024

Ballots for November 5th Election are in the mail to Franklin, MA voters

Ballots for November 5th Election

A message from the Town Clerk:

Ballots for November 5th Election are in the mail to Franklin, MA voters
Ballots for November 5th Election 

Ballots for the Presidential Election(11/5) HAVE arrived!! They have all been packaged up and are in the process of being mailed out.

Precincts 3,5,6,8 and 9 were mailed out Wednesday, 10/2/24.  Precincts 1,2,4 and 7 will be out by the end of the week.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/ballots-november-5th-election

Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

"In September, local elections clerks received an email that purported to be from a reputable national organization that helps to ensure voting integrity. The message asked clerks to fill out a survey and include their personal cellphones and home addresses.

But the URL behind the sender was not for the cybersecurity group the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center, or EI-ISAC. Instead, it led to a website, electioncrimebureau.com, with an image of a grinning Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO-turned-high-profile-election-denier who continues to believe former president Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

The faux email, say Massachusetts election clerks, is just the latest example of the deluge of threats, interference, misinformation, and burdensome requests coming at them as they approach what many fear will be one of the most daunting elections yet.

Burnout and frustration after the 2020 election and the subsequent storm of misinformation sparked massive turnover within the ranks of local elections officials. Those who stayed faced cybersecurity threats and emails sent by bad actors. The threats come on top of new state laws that boosted access to mail ballots and expanded early voting."
Shared from -> (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/03/metro/election-clerks-2024-threats-massachusetts/

We talked with our Town Clerk Nancy Danello in advance of the September primary and have not scheduled additional time due to the other demands for her attention during this period. Listen to out conversation, much of which still pertains to the November election. The dates for early voting, etc. have changed but available here and on the Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator


Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"
Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

Monday, September 23, 2024

MA Ballot QUESTION 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

QUESTION 1: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition 
State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
This proposed law would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the State Auditor’s authority.

ARGUMENTS
As provided by law, the 150-word arguments are written by proponents and opponents of each question, and reflect their opinions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made in these arguments.

The names of the individuals and organizations who wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument, are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
 

IN FAVOR: 
A YES vote on Question 1 expressly authorizes the State Auditor to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.

The State Auditor is independently elected by the people of Massachusetts to audit every state entity to help make government work better.
The State Legislature is the only state entity refusing to be audited by the State Auditor’s office. Legislative leaders claim it is sufficient for the Legislature to conduct audits of itself through a procured private vendor. However, the Massachusetts Legislature is continuously ranked as one of the least effective, least transparent legislatures in America and is one of only four legislatures that exempts itself from public records laws.

Support for this initiative will help the State Auditor’s office shine a bright light on how taxpayer dollars are spent to help increase transparency, accountability and accessibility for the people of Massachusetts.

Vote YES to expressly authorize the State Auditor to audit the Legislature.

Neil Morrison
Committee for Transparent Democracy
P.O. Box 364
Raynham, MA 02767
617-297-8476

AGAINST: 
CONSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARS AND CIVICS EDUCATORS STRONGLY URGE A NO VOTE ON QUESTION 1.

A legislative audit conducted by the State Auditor, who is an executive branch official, without the Legislature’s consent would violate the separation of powers and legislative supremacy described in and required by the Massachusetts Constitution.

The performance audits conducted by the State Auditor measure administrators’ performance in achieving the legislatively determined goals of the public policies they administer. The State Auditor cannot substitute her interpretation
of those goals for the Legislature’s without compromising the constitutional independence and preeminence of the Legislature.

If enacted Question 1 would make the State Auditor into a political actor and a potentially influential participant in the legislative process, two roles that would clearly compromise the State Auditor’s ability to carry out her fundamental constitutional duty to conduct credible, independent, objective, and non- partisan audits of state government departments and programs.

Jerold Duquette
Professor of Political Science, Central Connecticut State University
Co-Founder & Senior Contributor, MassPoliticsProfs.org
1516 Stanley Street New Britain, CT 05060 860-832-2964

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PDF of the Question 1 section can be found here ->

Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf

Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

Note: Alignment of For vs. Against is due to publication limitations here and not indicating a preference for either side. All ballot question info will be shared with this format.

MA Ballot QUESTION 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature
MA Ballot QUESTION 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

Friday, September 6, 2024

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

State Primary - Town of Franklin Unofficial Results - Sep 3, 2024

Unofficially with 4,682 ballots cast of approx. 25,000 eligible voters for an 18.7% turnout, we share the results per Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

Official results will take a couple of days as the write in votes need to be counted and confirmed.

3 page PDF file -> 


State Primary - Town of Franklin Unofficial Results - Sep 3, 2024
State Primary - Town of Franklin Unofficial Results - Sep 3, 2024


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, September 3, 2024?

Tuesday, September 3
6:00am  Primary Election (Franklin High School)
6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)
6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)
6:30pm MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL (SNETT Trail Head - Grove St)
7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)
7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)


**  Town Meetings today   **

  • Master Plan Update Committee Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - 6:30pm



What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Monday, September 2, 2024

State Primary election set for Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday, Sep 3

The election collection of information leading up to the Primary Tuesday, Sep 3 is located here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/election-collection-2024.html

Sample or specimen ballots for Sep 3 can be found on the Town Clerk page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/news/state-primary-9-3-2024-specimen-ballots

For any other election questions, check the Town Clerk's page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator

Early voting is complete, to vote appear at the High School between 6 AM and 8 PM, Sep 3
Early voting is complete, to vote appear at Franklin High School between 6 AM and 8 PM, Sep 3