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/

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

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 

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

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!

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

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

Nomination papers available via Town Clerk for November Biennial Election

Nomination papers available via Town Clerk for November Biennial Election

Nomination papers are now available for the November 4th Biennial Local Election.  

Please contact Nancy Danello, Town Clerk to inquire about running for office.  

508-520-4900 https://t.co/LcH0lUeOSL

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2024

With the Biennial Election coming up November 4, 2025, the nomination papers are available beginning today (Aug 4, 2025) for candidates to take, obtain the appropriate number of signatures to get on the ballot. 

We are sharing the section of the Annual Report for the Town of Franklin 2024 to help explain what each role entails. The first up is that of the Town Clerk.

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

The obligations of the Town Clerk’s Office have changed dramatically over the last few years. I am very proud of the ability of my staff to adjust to the ever-changing requirements and needs of the public and their continuing ability to provide superior service to the residents of the Town of Franklin.

There will be many changes in the upcoming year. The Office of Vital Records and Statistics will be updating their very archaic software system. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Voter Registration System is also updating their software as well, and if that’s not enough The Town of Franklin is also updating the Town’s Website and Accounting System Software. Seems like it’s the year of system updates.

I for one am thankful that this is all happening after the Presidential Election.

We are looking forward to learning the new systems and we are ecstatic to hear of the many positive changes coming to our Vital Records and Voter Registration software.

The ability of this office to successfully implement these new changes while also to provide for the needs of our constituents is a testament to the professional abilities of my office.

Meet your Town Clerk Staff:

• Nancy Danello, Certified Municipal Town Clerk 
• Dyan Fitzgerald, Deputy Town Clerk 
• Melissa Kiriacopolous, Administrative Asst.

HISTORY TOWN CLERK OFFICE

“The office of town clerk is probably one of the oldest in municipal government. It appears in the Bible in the Book of Acts, Chapter 19, and verse 35 written in A.D. 58. A search of other early written records would no doubt reveal other instances in which mention of this office appears. In Massachusetts, town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns although the title itself may not appear in the earliest records. The settlers were well aware of the importance of keeping accurate written records of their agreements and actions including grants of land, regulations governing animals, the collection of taxes and the expenditure of town funds. If your town records date back to the first half of the 17th century, you will probably find that a person was given the specific duty of writing down town orders and will see many entries in the record which include the words “It is ordered by the inhabitants,” or some similar words. Indeed, in Massachusetts, the town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns.”

ONLINE SERVICE

Our online service continues to be a success!! This has been a convenient way for the public to request and purchase birth, death and marriage certificates. This improvement has also been a great success for our dog owners who need to license a new dog or renew their yearly dog license. These document requests and payment options are available online anytime of the day, 7 days a week. To use this service, visit the town website at franklinma.gov/townclerk.

NOTARY SERVICE

The Town Clerk’s office provides Notary services as a courtesy. Residents seeking Notary Services should call the Town Clerk’s office prior to their visit to ensure that the Notary is available. The following guidelines will be followed in the provision of Notary Service: - Notary Services are available during the normal business hours. Notary Service is provided on a first-come, first service basis. Please be sure to have valid government-issued photo ID if you are seeking this service. Remember, the document must be signed in the presence of the Notary. Notary Service is not available for deeds, mortgages, wills, living wills, living trusts, power of attorneys, or depositions. Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. For more information please visit our website. The Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, and Deputy Town Clerk, Dyan Fitzgerald are also Commissioners to qualify, which means if you are a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace and need to be given the “Oath of Office” we can perform this service for you free of charge.

There are additional duties of the Town Clerk. You can continue to read the extract from the Annual Report of 2024 here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xs0aDTXY8_G9g9hOzsCxaX0nsxdIxWCo/view?usp=drive_link

or dig into the full annual report here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGxfeanVhITZ9jSTGf6tgDMtVlI000Ju/view?usp=drive_link

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2024

Nomination papers for Town of Franklin Election available Aug 4, 2025

Monday, August 4 – Nomination papers available (by appointment only) in the Town Clerk's Office. Please check our website for hours.

Monday, September 15 by 4:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office for certification

Monday, September 22 by 4:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy

Nomination papers for Town of Franklin
Election available Aug 4, 2025

Saturday, October 25 – Last day to register to vote from 9 AM to 5 PM in the Town Clerk's Office by appointment only or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us

Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 for any questions.

Download the list of available positions ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/18_OEf8M8YNVj4iCTeaPXo8bLnXZ2UuUn/view?usp=drive_link

Official Override Results: The NO's take it by 196 votes

The official results of the override special election are now available.  Minor changes to the counts but not to the overall percent turnout. That remains at 40%

Official Override Results: The NO's take it by 196 votes

2025 2024

Yes = 5107     5542

No = 5303     5778

Blank =     4         5

Total = 10,414      11,325

Margin = 196          236

Percent turnout    40%            45%

Total registered voters = 25,865

You can find the override / debt exclusion history here (all results from official Town of Franklin documents)

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