Let’s have some fun… What the most popular dog name was in 2024?

Dog 1

Via Town Clerk Nancy Danello:

"Can you guess what the most popular dog name was in 2024?

Was It Princess?? Was It Franklin?? Was It Jeff??

The First Place winner will receive:

1. A paid dog tag for the life of the dog
2. Receive dog tag #1 for 2026
3. A picture of your dog will appear on the 2026 dog registration form sent to all town residents

Dogs 2

The Second Place winner will receive:

1. Receive dog tag #2 for 2026
2. A dog-themed goodie basket

Dog 3

Submit your guess to TOWNCLERK@FRANKLINMA.GOV

Deadline to submit your guess is 10/15/2025 BY 4:00PM

All prizes will be paid for by the Town Clerk.

One guess per family. 

Winner will be pulled on 10/16 via live feed. 

More info to come regarding the live feed."

Shared from Town Clerk PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11VQp7bbFWz9v8_BF1BX3Km19d1s-YvsW/view?usp=drive_link

Almost "Final" Biennial Election Candidates as of September 15, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of Monday, September 15, 2025. Nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors, Planning Board, and Planning Board (Associate Member) and candidates have been returned and verified for their entry on the ballot. 

Almost "Final" as the ballot doesn't get finalized until September 22 giving candidates time to withdraw from consideration.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Planning Board (Associate Member)

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board 

8 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee 

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

15 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health position remains without a candidate. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

The PDF download ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6972/Nomination-Papers-filed-as-of-9-15-25 (from Town page but not a permanent link)

OR (a permanent link) ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/11V5sFdfpKB7SQ0iPGjvxt_IvqSDnCJLs/view?usp=drive_link

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of September 12, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of Friday, September 12, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors, Planning Board, and Planning Board (Associate Member) at this point. 

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Planning Board (Associate Member)

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board 

9 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee (1 withdrew)

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

16 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health position remains without at least a candidate at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This is 'crunch time' as all the nomination papers are due back September 15 when required will be validated. 

The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22 giving candidates time to withdraw.

The PDF download ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6931/Nomination-papers-filed-as-of-9-12-25  (from Town page but not a permanent link)

OR (a permanent link) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh_hYug72rSPpvcoFiz1C9oBx_ABnaMn/view?usp=drive_link

In person voting schedule for Biennial Election begins Oct 17

In person voting schedule for Biennial Election begins Oct 17

The Early Voting schedule for the November 4 Biennial Election was announced by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

Shared from  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6841/In-Person-Early-Voting-Hours

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of September 5, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of September 5, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point. 

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

9 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee (1 withdrew)

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

15 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWxf1ysvCenaylwFJcKv1T2QZPFIrGsg/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display: 

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of September 4, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of August 28, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point. 

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

10 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

15 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EK5DIe503sXynvbdCmtrLT-7r4BhL6uO/view?usp=drive_link

or -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6862/Nomination-papers-filed-as-of-9-4-25

The PDF display: 

What "one" question would have for a candidate in the Town of Franklin Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 ???

As the ballot gets closer to being finalized, we can take review the questions we have used in previous elections (link for 2023 & 2021 provided below) and see if there are any updates required.

You can make multiple question entries to ask your "one" question for each role. For example, the question for a Town Council candidate would likely differ from a Planning Board candidate. 

You can help with this effort by submitting your "one" question for each candidate role with a 3 step process. 

• Enter your email (required for validation of the question)
• Select the candidate role for your question
• Enter your question

The final set of questions will be published after the analysis is complete.

Link to question survey -> https://forms.gle/aoVd8bRz1ULwkCnq8

Questions being gathered for use by Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio candidate interviews for the Town of Franklin 2025 Biennial Election.

Questions used for the 2023 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdCjTIczcePZDciQuW8HZSfF34LAnCVh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions used for the 2021 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

What "one" question would have for a candidate?

Number of School Committee and Town Council candidates for Biennial Elections from 2003 to this year (as of 8/22/25)

Tabulating the total number of candidates for Town Council and School Committee via the PDF Annual Reports available from the Town of Franklin web page reveals the following information:

• Currently the most candidates for Town Council is found this year (with nomination paper data as of 8/22/25)
• The School Committee has the most variation in number of candidates from a negative 1 (6 for 7 spots) in 2005 to a plus 5 (12 for 7 spots) in 2021 to a current plus 3 (as of 8/22/25)
• There were 4 elections where all you needed was to get on the ballot to get elected to the School Committee vs. the Town Council where in 2 elections there were 10 candidates and at the end one was left out

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

The PDF Annual Reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=39

The data table, compiled from the PDF copies, that drove the charts can be found ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jWlQaxx40GKbSTSY2-81Jgfpm6isnqXp/view?usp=drive_link

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 22, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 15, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

10 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

15 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UOkdXUGkzNepzW-FTfn0Oz5dmBdQxBki/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display: 

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 15, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 15, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

8 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

14 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

Only the Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tnb1peAAmI9NSv9muSO8PTGUM7DGUvYT/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 12, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 12, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

14 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

Only the Board of Health remains without a candidate for the one open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download -> (corrected the link; had been last Friday's and not Tuesday 8/12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15wgK6INBCpHNSE_v6oGnEP-86KqJCQud/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 8, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 8, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

There is 

1 candidate for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

13 candidate for 9 spots on the Town Council

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqLUACG02mAmtQf4sEFcj92tqt-xUi3d/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Town Clerk provides "Interested in Running for Office Guide"

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides a guide to consider running for election.

A step by step guide:

Meet Eligibility Requirements: 

You must be a registered voter in Franklin, at least 18 years old, and a US Citizen.

Decide on the Office you are interested in: 

Franklin holds elections for elected town positions every two years in November.

Obtain Nomination Papers:

Nomination papers for the upcoming election on November 4, 2025, became available on Monday, August 4th, 2025, at the Town Clerk's Office.

It is advisable to check the Town Clerk's website or contact us directly for current hours and to schedule an appointment to obtain the papers.

Collect Signatures:

You'll need to gather signatures from a specific number of qualified Franklin voters on your nomination papers to get on the ballot. For Town Council positions, at least 100 signatures are required. For all other boards and committees 50 signatures are required.

It is recommended to collect more signatures than the minimum required, as some signatures may be disallowed during the certification process.

Town Clerk provides "Interested in Running for Office Guide"

Submit Nomination Papers:

Signed nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office for certification. The deadline for the November 2025 election is Monday, September 15th, 2025, by 4:00 PM.

Understand Campaign Finance Laws: 

Massachusetts has comprehensive campaign finance laws, including limits on contributions and regulations on spending. Familiarize yourself with these laws through resources like the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) website www.ocpf.us

Important Notes:

All local elections are non-partisan and ballots do not display party affiliations.

For the most up-to-date information, it's always best to contact the Town Clerk's Office directly at 508-520-4900 or townclerk@franklinma.gov

Remember, this is a general guide, and it's essential to stay informed about all applicable deadlines and requirements set forth by the Town of Franklin and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Vtt4azzjAcxjCxjXoMWIpi38JY3un6h/view?usp=drive_link

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 7, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello released an updated report as of August 7, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSTb1kW35DmG-m6B3YqqimllmmIyNF_V/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 6, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello released the first report showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

(Editor note: via social media post there is also at least one additional incumbent Town Council candidate taking papers after this report was received)

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 6, 2025

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v7eS5ZWkT3dTgRDjXeVj1GTT_E2DSfSj/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Franklin Town Clerk walks us through the timeline for the Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 (audio)

FM #1488 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1488 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Deputy Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald about the 2025 Biennial Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.  

Our conversation covers:

• Candidate nomination papers available as of August 4 during office hours in Clerk’s Office

• Appointment requested

• Candidate nomination papers due back by Sept 15

• Withdrawal if needed, completed by Sep 22

• Last day to register to vote is October 25

• Early voting schedule to be published later

• Office closed on Tuesday November 4 to run the election at Franklin High School gymnasium

• November 4 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM

• Unofficial results expected around 9 PM

• 

  Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers

  November election 

• for a 2 year term of office for the Town Council and School Committee. 

• For a 4 year term: Town Clerk, Planning Board, Board of Assessor, Board of Health

 

Our conversation recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1488-town-clerk-on-the-biennial-election-2025-07-31-25/

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Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

November election timeline ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6245/Important-dates-to-remember- 

Seats up for election in November ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6240/Seats-Available 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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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