Showing posts with label town clerk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town clerk. Show all posts

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks with Liz Harkins at the Library about the State Election Nov 3, 2026 (video)

Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks with Liz Harkins at the Library about the State Election Nov 3, 2026
Liz Harkins, Executive Director for Franklin TV met with Town Clerk Nancy Danello at the Franklin Public Library early in October to find out about the State election coming up Nov 3, 2026.

Thanks to Mitzi Gousie, Programing and Outreach Coordinator at the Library for hosting this event.


Visit the Town Clerk's page for additional election info



What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 29, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 29



8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd floor trng room)
4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:30pm Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs (webinar by SAFE Coalition; Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar)

7:00pm    Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger (Historical Museum)


***  Town Meetings today ***

October 29, 2026 - Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2582 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2574 


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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 Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Town Clerk Nancy Danello shares info on the Nov 3 State Election; please prepare, have patience (audio)

FM #1842 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1842 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello about the 2026 State Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.  


Our conversation covers:

  • Early voting ends on Friday, October 30

  • Advance depositing scheduled for Oct 31 & Nov 1 (if necessary)

  • Office closed on Tuesday November 3 to conduct the election at Franklin High School gymnasium

    • November 3 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM

    • Unofficial results expected some time after 9 PM

    • Official results not until Nov 18, 2026


Our conversation recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in 


Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1842-town-clerk-on-the-state-election-2026-10-23-26/


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


November 3, 2026 sample ballot ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11309/NOV-3-SAMPLE-BALLOT 


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


Friday, October 23, 2026

Town of Franklin's Boston Post Cane Presented to Lydia Dolitka 10/22/2026

FM #1840 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1840 in the series. 


This episode shares the Town of Franklin Boston Post Cane presentation to Lydia Dolitka by Town Clerk Nancy Danello. Recognizing Lydia as being the oldest Franklin, MA resident. State Representative Jeff Roy also presented a proclamation from the House of Representatives recognizing Lydia's youthful age.


Family and friends gathered for the brief ceremony at Magnolia Heights in Franklin, Ma on Thursday, October 22, 2026.


Video link - 
https://youtu.be/7kmTGkmkOgY




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Photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/L1HhXg2nh456d4vB8

Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boston_Post


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


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"


Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Reminder: Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

Via the Franklin Town Clerk:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

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:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026
• Monday, October 26 9:00 AM
• Tuesday, October 27 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 28 9:00 AM
• Thursday, October 29 9:00 AM
• Friday, October 30 9:00 AM


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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, October 31 9:00 AM
• Sunday, November 1 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 3rd. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


Sunday, October 18, 2026

(1) Sample Ballot available (2) Tabulator Testing scheduled for Monday, Oct 19 (3) Bring preparation & patience to vote

Sample Ballot available - Tabulator Testing scheduled for Monday, Oct 19
(1) The sample ballot for the State Nov 3 election with 9 ballot questions is 2 full sheet of paper (first page double sided, second page single side with text).




(2) Tabulator Testing for State Election (11/3/26) will be held on Monday, October 19. Beginning at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers.  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11348/Tabulator-Testing-for-Nov-3-Election 



(3) Given the length of the ballot (2 pieces of paper), the expected turnout (state elections generally average plus/minus 60% of Franklin registered voters), please prepare before going to vote early or in person on Tuesday Nov 3. 

Please bring along a little patience. While you may have prepared, some others may not have prepared. Be kind.

with ~25,500 voters, a 60% turnout means more than 15,000 will vote
with ~25,500 voters, a 60% turnout means more than 15,000 will vote

Saturday, October 17, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, October 17, 2026 ???

Saturday, October 17


8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)
12:00pm Celebrating Voting Rights (Franklin Town Common)
2:00pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)
2:00pm The Skin of Our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)
5:00pm    FHS Community Soccer night (Franklin High School)
5:00pm FHS Boys Varsity vs. Algonquin (Pisini Field, Oak St)
6:30pm Franklin Navratri (sold out) (Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School)
7:00pm FHS Girls Varsity vs. Natick (Pisini Field, Oak St)
7:30pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)
7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)



*** NO Town Meetings today ***


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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 Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Friday, October 16, 2026

Franklin Early Voting Schedule starts Oct 17 and runs through Oct 30, 2026

"The State Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026! 

Residents can vote early in person at the Town Clerk’s Office from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30.

📅 Early Voting Hours
  • Saturdays & Sundays: 8 AM –12 PM
  • Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Wednesdays: 8 AM – 6 PM
  • Fridays: 8 AM – 1 PM

📌 Important Reminder: The last day to register to vote is Saturday, October 24.

📞 Questions? Contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-520-4900."


Editor's Note: 

(1) Please be prepared for the 9 ballot questions. Do your homework before voting early or on Election Day. 

(2) Be patient. The ballot is longer than ever and will take time to process. Even if you are prepared, other voters may not be. Please be patient.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Reminder: In Person Early Voting Schedule for the State Election = 11/3/2026 - In Town Clerk's Office Only

State Election = 11/3/2026

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only

Saturday, October 17 - 8:00 AM -12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 18 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 19 - 8:00 AM -4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 20- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 21 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 22 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 23 - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only for the State Election = 11/3/2026


Saturday , October 24 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 25 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 26 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 27- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 28 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 29- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 30 - 8:00 AM -1:00 PM

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 with any questions

Thursday, October 8, 2026

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only for the State Election = 11/3/2026

State Election = 11/3/2026

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only

Saturday, October 17 - 8:00 AM -12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 18 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 19 - 8:00 AM -4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 20- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 21 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 22 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 23 - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only for the State Election = 11/3/2026


Saturday , October 24 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 25 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 26 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 27- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 28 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 29- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 30 - 8:00 AM -1:00 PM

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 with any questions

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

Via the Franklin Town Clerk:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

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:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026
• Monday, October 26 9:00 AM
• Tuesday, October 27 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, October 28 9:00 AM
• Thursday, October 29 9:00 AM
• Friday, October 30 9:00 AM


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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, October 31 9:00 AM
• Sunday, November 1 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 3rd. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


Tuesday, October 6, 2026

2026 Ballot Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Question 9:  Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 124 to 33, and approved by the Senate on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 5?

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This law makes a number of changes to Massachusetts laws governing firearms.

The law adds school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits, and firearms - if an individual is a present danger to self or others. The law also provides that, when issuing a Harassment Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits, and firearms.

The law imposes penalties for possessing, creating, and transferring untraceable "ghost gun" firearms and requires all firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished product, to have serial numbers. The law includes privately-made guns like 3D-printed guns within the provisions governing untraceable "ghost gun" firearms.

The law changes firearms licensing requirements to: (1) allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms, firearm ID cards, and licenses to sell firearms; (2) require an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns; (3) add the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm loss or theft; and (4) enable 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18 year olds to apply independently.

The law allows local firearm licensing authorities to transfer the responsibility to inspect firearm dealers to the State Police. The law requires local licensing authorities to attend statewide training regarding those inspections. It requires dealers to confiscate expired or suspended licenses and report them to the state and to local licensing authorities.

The law changes the definition of "machine gun" to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties. It expands the definition of "silencer" to include the parts used to construct a silencer.

The law clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own.

The law requires the state Firearm Control Advisory Board and the state Secretary of Public Safety and Security to review and update the rosters of prohibited assault-style firearms, approved firearms, and approved firearms sold for target shooting.

The law clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations, and schools, with certain exceptions.

The law expands data compilation and reporting requirements to and from the state, and creates a publicly-accessible dashboard of anonymized aggregate firearm data, along with a commission to study that data.

The law requires the State Police to provide training and a test for new applicants for licenses to carry or Firearm ID cards.

The law establishes two special legislative commissions – one to examine funding for violence prevention services, and one to study emerging firearms technology.

The law criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use.

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 keep in place the law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine guns, and assault-style weapons.

A NO VOTE would repeal this law.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

Since the passage of this safety law in 2024, the Commonwealth has made significant investments to implement the law including training employees, promulgating new gun licensure processes, and developing IT infrastructure. Repealing the law would require the Commonwealth to expend resources in suspending or re-directing those investments.


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Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions
https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Monday, October 5, 2026

This week at the Franklin Public Library (10/05 to 10/10/26)

This week at the Franklin Public Library (10/05 to 10/10/26)



2026 Ballot Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana

Question 8: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

The proposed law would change the type and amount of marijuana that may legally be possessed in Massachusetts by repealing the laws that legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate, and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of 1 and 2 ounces.

For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana a civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program and community service, and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.

The proposed law would allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to medical marijuana dispensaries. The proposed law would retain the Cannabis Control Commission but modify its authority so it would regulate only the medical marijuana market.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

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 prohibit the legalization, regulation, and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, and change the penalties for possession of marijuana.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to marijuana.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

By repealing the laws that legalize and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, the proposed law would reduce the amount that state and municipal governments receive from the taxation of those sales. In fiscal year 2025, taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana raised approximately $280 million in state revenue and $50 million in local revenue. The state budget, which is supported by tax revenue, funds local aid for schools and municipal budgets.


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Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions
https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Franklin TV: Your vote, your voice: Information session at the Franklin Public Library

Join us in welcoming Town Clerk Nancy Danello and FranklinTV Executive Director Liz Harkins to Franklin Public Library for a live recording session discussing the ins and outs of the November election. 

Franklin TV: Your vote, your voice: Information session at the Franklin Public Library


Learn the specifics—where, when, and how—for this uncommon multipage ballot.

Participants can attend in person at the Library or via Zoom.

Links for Zoom and to submit a question are available on the Library Calendar of Events!


Download the full programming guide: 

2026 Ballot Question 7: Single Family Homes

Question 7: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road, or public way that it faces, and has access to public sewer and water services.

The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be rented out on a short-term basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law.

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 allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

If the proposed law enables the growth of housing in communities, it could provide positive new growth revenues to municipalities. However, it is difficult to project the potential scale of new growth tied to the proposed law. The proposed law thus has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.


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Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions
https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/