Here is the order of the five statewide voter questions that will appear on the ballot in November - The Boston Globe

"Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin on Thursday released the order that five statewide measures will appear on the ballot in November.

ballot questions

The five ballot questions are the most since 2000, when voters had eight to consider. The numbers are assigned at the discretion of the secretary of state’s office.

“Numbers are typically assigned in a manner that will ensure the best possible ballot layout, given the length of the question summaries,” Galvin’s office said in a statement."

Question 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement

Question 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers

Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances

Question 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/25/metro/these-five-statewide-questions-will-appear-massachusetts-ballot-november/

The State will send out the "red book" the voters guide before the November election early voting starts. The early voting timeline for both the Sep primary and November election as contained in this PDF (and image below)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/2024_election_schedule.pdf

early voting timeline for both the Sep primary and November election

Local Democrats to Host Governor's Council District 2 Candidate Forum - Aug 7

In a cooperative effort to involve the voters in our communities in the Governor's Council District 2 race, the Democratic Committees of Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham will host a forum for the Democratic candidates for the Governor's Council District 2 race on Wednesday, August 7th at 7 PM.

Council District 2 Candidate Forum - Aug 7

The forum will take place at the Norfolk Public Library. It will also air live on Norfolk Public Library and available on their YouTube Channel.   

The Governor's Council records advice and consent on state treasury warrants, pardons, commutations, and gubernatorial appointments. Appointments include judges, clerk-magistrates, public administrators, and members of the Parole Board, Appellate Tax Board and Industrial Accident Reviewing Board, as well as notaries and justices of the peace.

Possible questions for November's state ballot

Via the Boston Globe:

"Millions of Massachusetts voters will hit the polls in November to cast a presidential ballot. They also could rewrite state laws in ways unseen in decades.

Possible ballot questions

Unions, advocates, and out-of-state groups are pushing to put five ballot questions before voters this fall, creating what would be the largest single slate in 24 years. The breadth of the lineup appears likely to spur one of the most expensive ballot question campaigns in Massachusetts history, with groups collectively having spent millions of dollars before the ballot has even been finalized.

For voters, that not only could mean enduring an onslaught of political advertising, but also wrestling with weighty policy decisions. Should the state scrap MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, reversing years of educational standards? Should it legalize psychedelic mushrooms? Should ride-share drivers be allowed to unionize?"

Continue reading the article at the Globe -> (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/10/metro/massachusetts-five-ballot-questions-november-election/

Later this year, the "red book" of information on the ballot questions will be made available by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

Survey on the motivations behind the latest override election

Dear Reader,

 

I've been curious about people's motivations behind the latest override election and I designed this survey to better understand why people voted the way they did, both for and against. I'll share the overall results and data with the public, and local media organizations. 

 

All questions are completely optional! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the survey at max.morrongiello@gmail.com.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/LKvzBeCcjzAsFcF56

 

the survey results can be viewed here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLbCZs7KRNR4eSpAN0GKRUaWdDO8ffZNBLg-NDzrBX8sy-Wg/viewanalytics

Thanks,

Maxwell Morrongiello 

 

Survey on the motivations behind the latest override election

Official Certified Results - Franklin, MA: Special Election Prop 2 1/2 Override results - June 11, 2024 "No by 236 votes"

The Official certified results were released on Wednesday, June 12 by Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

Town of Franklin Special Election Results - June 11, 2024
	Unofficial	Official Certified
Yes	5542	5542
No	5778	5778
Blanks	5	5
Totals	11325	11325
Registered voters		24975
Votes cast		11325
Percent Voters		45.3%
Vote margin		236

 

Official results by precinct -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/13wUEkbVKjt0gGo2a1Iqr1-yQJT64Nyx3/view?usp=drive_link

Official Certified Results - Franklin, MA: Special Election Prop 2 1/2 Override

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023 (updated for 6/11/24)

The chart depicting the voter count and percent for the elections from 2003 through 2023, update for June 11, 2024 results.

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023 (updated for 6/11/24)

(Unofficial Results) - Franklin, MA: Special Election Prop 2 1/2 Override results - June 11, 2024 No by 236 votes

Town Clerk Nancy Danello release the unofficial override results Tuesday evening at Franklin High School.

Yes = 5542

No = 5778

Blanks = 5

Total = 11,325

Percent voters 45.5%

Total voters = 24,891

Total residents = 33,389

Unofficial Totals sheet ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/13uTbAyfiS4eKWCwDvGHM8gVnsQNFxmuN/view?usp=drive_link

Audio link to results annouced by Town Clerk Nancy Danello -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1234-franklin-ma-unofficial-special-election-results-06-11-24

Franklin, MA: Special Election Prop 2 1/2 Override results - June 11, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 11, 2024?

Tuesday, June 11

6:00am - 8:00pm   Special Election ($6.8M Override)
5:00pm  Student Public Art Release - "The Traveling School of Fish" (Sculpture Park)

6:00pm  Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)
7:00pm  Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House
7:00pm  Yankee Quilters Meeting: quilt artist Betsy Habich (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

** Town Meetings today

 

• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 10:00am  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/municipal_affordable_housing_trust_june_11_2024.pdf

• Design Review Meeting Agenda

Event Date:  Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 7:00pm (virtual meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/drc_agenda_6-11-2024.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

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:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023

The chart depicting the voter count and percent for the elections from 2003 through 2023 

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023

The table of info most recently from Town Clerk Nancy Danello (and prior Town Clerks) (PDF) ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEhv7D0uIHBxGyE42JQpVuoTEZLeibXF/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Town Clerk provides Important Information for Special Election, June 11, 2024

May 3, 2024

From the Office of the Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, CMC

Re: Important information regarding the Special Election, June 11, 2024

With the formal approval of our Town Council members by Resolution 24- 21 for the purpose of a Special Election to be held on June 11, 2024 at the Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.

The question reads:

Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional 6.8 million dollars in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the operating budget for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024?

"The above question will be the only question on the ballot, it is a Yes or No question."

Immediately after receiving ballots, the Town Clerk's Office will be hosting in-person early voting during normal business hours which are Mon., Tues., Thurs. from 8 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday, 8 AM to 6 PM and Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM. 

There will also be one (1) weekend day which is scheduled for Saturday, June 1st from 9 AM to 4 PM in the Clerk's Office Only.

For Voters who have requested a vote by mail ballot for the State Election (11/5) by completing the card sent by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, you will also be receiving a ballot for this Special Election. We have a total of 5,000 requests so far. 

If you are unsure that your request was received please contact my office at 508-520-4900 or townclerk@franklinma.gov and we will be happy to assist you. If you would like to receive a Vote-by-Mail application please contact my office or click on the following link: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/languages/vote-by-maiI-applications.htm

Dates of Importance:

• Early Voting will commence as soon as the ballots arrive (I will notify the Voters once they are received) 
• Tabulator Testing: May 29th at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers
• Last Day to Register to vote: June 1 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Town Clerk's Office or online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
• Special Election June 11, 2024 from 6 AM to 8 PM @ FHS -  All mail in ballots must be received in the Clerk's Office by 8:00 PM in order to be counted.

Download a PDF of this info as reference or to share ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHY6WNYveV8CwmiFsUBNqoV5UrWWDHJ6/view?usp=drive_link

For the record, the ballot question for the roads dedicated override in 2014 was worded as:

"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $1,500,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of funding a stabilization fund as provided in GL Chapter 40 Section 5 B, said funds to be expended solely for roadway, and related drainage work for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and sixteen?"

The only successful override to date was on May 2007 and the wording was as follows: 

"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $2,700,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of the operating budget which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, two thousand and seven?"

The text of all the override or debt exclusion votes can be found in one spreadsheet thanks to the info provided by our Town Clerk

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdDVWaFU0N2ZsTEE2TUVuWHk5NURvQWc#gid=0

2024 election: What misinformation trends to watch out for

"The voice in the robocall sounded a lot like President Joe Biden. Days before the New Hampshire primary in January, the message told voters their “vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”

It wasn’t Biden. The call was created by a magician in New Orleans, who reportedly said he used an artificial intelligence program on behalf of an operative working for a rival Democratic candidate.

Misinformation, having played a major role in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, now threatens to erupt more than ever this cycle, as the rise of generative AI and the erosion of social media controls add fuel to campaigns’ distortions. At stake is the outcome of elections up and down the ballot this November as Biden once again faces off against Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump.

“On the one hand, it feels the same,” said Claire Wardle, cofounder of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University’s School of Public Health in Rhode Island, of this election. “But actually, I think the world looks quite different four years later.”

Continue reading the article online at the Globe (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/04/16/business/misinformation-2024-election-deepfakes-ai/

Misinformation threatens to erupt more than ever this cycle as the rise of generative artificial intelligence and the erosion of social media controls fuel campaigns’ distortions. ADOBE, ALLY RZESA/GLOBE STAFF/BLACKZHEEP - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Presidential Primary Election Day - March 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM at Franklin High School

The MA Presidential Primary voting opened at Franklin High School at 6 AM this morning and will close at 8 PM today. All 9 precincts vote in one place.

I plan on being at the high school to record the results and share them as soon as the Town Clerk has them available.

Presidential Primary Election Day - March 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM at Franklin High School

Sample ballots for the primary -> choose one party ballot to cast your vote

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/presidential_primary_3-5-2024_sample_ballots.pdf

Any additional info on the Primary Election can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

Presidential Primary Updates:

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

For additional info visit the Town of Franklin page ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a

Tabulator/Ballot Testing for the Presidential Primary - Weds, Feb 21 at 9 AM

Notice from the Town Clerk’s Office:

Tabulator/Ballot Testing for the Presidential Primary 3/5/2024 Will be held on Wednesday, February 21st in the Town Council Chambers

Beginning at 9:00 AM

Observers Welcome

Shared from the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/notice_of_ballot-tabulator_testing.pdf

Note: Based upon prior testing, this may last less than an hour

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly (photo from testing in Oct 2022)

Nancy Danello joins this "Talk Franklin" episode to talk elections with Jamie, Amy and I (audio)

FM #1144 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1144 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a new format for "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti. 

This episode features a conversation on the 2024 elections with Town Clerk Nancy Danello. We recorded our discussion in person in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Topics for this session

Quick news highlights

Franklin Ridge received $8.5M funding

Town Council goals set for next 2 years

Jamie elected as Vice-President of Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

Elections for 2024

Presidential Primary - March 5

State Primary - September 3

Presidential Election  - November 5

Quick outlook

Council Meeting - Jan 31

Finance Mtg - Feb 6

Council Mtg - Feb 28

Joint Budget Cmte - March 6

The recording runs about 47 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Nancy on Thursday, January 25, 2024 Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin---A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office-e2f34do/a-aatdjc7

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://open.spotify.com/show/6q76wsRAKGPuEZ8mzEGvP2 

Town Clerk page for Elections -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/pages/important-information-regarding-elections-voting 

Top 10 billboard hits on voting

https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/election-themed-songs-james-brown-alice-cooper-hits-7572297/

10. Paula Webb, “Please, Mr. President” (No. 60, 1975)

9. Black Sheep, “The Choice Is Yours” (No. 57, 1992)

8. Jeezy feat. Nas, “My President” (No. 57, 2008)

7. The Radiants, “Voice Your Choice” (No. 51, 1965)

6. Johnnie Taylor, “I Could Never Be President” (No. 48, 1969)

5. James Brown, “Funky President (People It’s Bad)” (No. 44, 1974)

4. Johnny Sea, “Day For Decision” (No. 35, 1966)

3. Alice Cooper, “Elected” (No. 26, 1972)

2. Re-Flex, “The Politics of Dancing” (No. 24, 1984)

1. Arcadia, “Election Day” (No. 6, 1985)

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

Nancy Danello joins this "Talk Franklin" episode to talk elections with Jamie, Amy and I (audio)