Franklin Matters: vote by mail

Showing posts with label vote by mail. Show all posts

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Voting in Franklin, MA

The "storymap" tool has been used by our Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello to put together in one place, all the information you need to know on how to register to vote, get vote by mail info, etc.

Follow the link here to get to the storymap, or from the Town Clerk's page scroll down to find this image and click to follow

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a

Voting in Franklin, MA

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1431 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topic for this session:

School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter

Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar

Proclamations and recognition for

the FHS Cheerleaders, National Champs for 5th year
the FHS boys basketball team, State Division 1 Champs
members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
Presentation and update on work being done by Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
Approval for acceptance of gifts

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 35 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1431-town-council-quarterbacking-04-17-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

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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. 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"

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 16, 2025 - 7 PM

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, 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. March 19, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Cheerleaders
b.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Boys Basketball Team
c.    Proclamation: The Dean College Athletic Training and Franklin Public Safety Departments

5.    APPOINTMENTS
a.    2025 Election Workers https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5217/5a---Appointments---Election-Workers
i.    See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Deﬁnitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9b. https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5234/6a-1-Shared-Kitchen-Public-Hearing
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9c.   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5235/6b-Public-Hearing-Shared-Kitchens

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8.    PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a.    Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
b.    Franklin Crisis Advocacy Team - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

9.    LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a.    Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5227/9a-25-18---6_3_25-Election-early-voting-and-vote-by-mail
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Deﬁnitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
c.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
d.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24,
Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5236/9d-25-935-Floodplain
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
e.    Resolution 25-19: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($3,014.98), Veterans’ ($11,959.90)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-19 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.    Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report (Vote to Accept) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4568/2025-TA-Evaluation
b.    Capital Budget Subcommittee
c.    Economic Development Subcommittee
d.    Joint Budget Subcommittee
e.    Police Station Building Committee
f.    GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Boston Globe: "State spent $8 million on mail-in voting"

"Just less than half of the roughly 3.5 million voters who cast a ballot in November’s elections here did so in person on Election Day, Secretary of State William Galvin’s office said in a new report on the roughly $8 million costs associated with the popular vote-by-mail option.

The report filed with the Legislature this month details many of the costs connected to Galvin’s responsibilities as chief elections officer for the state, and the requirements of the 2022 law that allows voters to cast their ballots by mail or during a dedicated early voting window.

Not counting the costs of printing ballots and envelopes, assembling ballot kits and reimbursing local election officials for unfunded mandates, Galvin said the vote-by-mail effort cost a little more than $8 million ($8,005,676.43 to be precise), including nearly $2 million in postage for voters to return ballots, for the September primaries and November’s general election."

Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe -> (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/30/metro/state-spent-8-million-mail-in-voting/

Boston Globe: "State spent $8 million on mail-in voting"

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.

Shared from the PDF posted to the Town page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/notice_of_advance_removal_and_deposit_for_11-5-2024_state_election.pdf

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

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

Friday, September 20, 2024

Share worthy Hamilton Cast performance In honor of National Voter Registration Day (video)

Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) posted Sep 16, 2024:

In honor of National Voter Registration Day tomorrow, the Broadway company of Hamilton headed into the booth to record "The Election of 2024".

We're proud to partner with @WhenWeAllVote and @VoteRiders to make sure everyone's voice is heard at the polls.

Register to vote now! https://t.co/hcAPw9Yf5y

Video link -> https://youtu.be/sJayRSyTsDc?si=jNgmPHtlSHjgFZDl

Shared from -> https://x.com/HamiltonMusical/status/1835710238210613557

Share worthy Hamilton Cast performance In honor of National Voter Registration Day (video)

Saturday, August 24, 2024

State Primary Early Voting Schedule for Town of Franklin voters begins today, Aug 24, 2024

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, the early voting schedule for the State Primary (September 3) begins Saturday, August 24. Today is also the last day to register to vote for the Sep 3 election.

The last day to vote for the Nov 5 Presidential Election is October 26

Early voting for the State Primary will ONLY be at the Town Clerk's Office in the Municipal Building 355 East Central St. Early voting for the Presidential Election on Nov 5 will also be in the Town Clerk's office.

Day of voting for Sep 3 (and Nov 5) will be at Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.

State Primary early voting schedule

Saturday, August 24th 9AM - 3PM
Monday, August 26th 9AM - 3PM
Tuesday, August 27th 9AM - 3PM
Wednesday, August 28th 9AM - 5PM
Thursday, August 29th 9AM - 3PM
Friday, August 30th 9AM - 12PM

You can listen to Nancy & I talk about voting for the Primary in this podcast episode -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello.html

Download a copy of the Primary Early Voting schedule -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/state_primary_early_voting_hours.pdf

State Primary Early Voting Schedule for Town of Franklin voters begins today, Aug 24, 2024

Monday, August 12, 2024

Franklin (MA) Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks of the September Primary and early voting schedule (audio)

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello

FM #1258 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1258 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

We talk about

September Primary and early voting schedule
November Presidential election and key items leading to that
Early voting at Town Clerk’s office for both Primary and Presidential

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to election information.

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1258-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-08-06-24/

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Town Clerk’s page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Early voting schedule Sep 2024 Primary -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/news/person-early-voting-schedule-state-primary-932024

Tabulator testing scheduled for Aug 21 at 9 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/news/tabulator-testing-state-primary-821-council-chambers-9am

Specimen ballots for the Sep 2024 Primary -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/pages/important-information-regarding-elections-voting

General info on elections & voting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/pages/important-information-regarding-elections-voting

Power the Polls web page as mentioned during our discussion -> https://www.powerthepolls.org/

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

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

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"

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Franklin Election Collection - 2024

The 2024 Election Collection of posts with information on the candidates for State Representative, Senator, Governor's Council District 2, etc. We do exclude coverage of the Presidential election campaigns to focus on the local information for Franklin voters. Most recent posts on top, scroll down for earlier posts.

Voices of Franklin - candidate's claim is "empty words"

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/voices-of-franklin-j-garland-says.html

Roy Bailey debate in print (part 2 - questions 5 to 7)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/roy-bailey-10th-norfolk-district-debate.html

Roy - Bailey debate in print (part 1 - questions 1 to 4)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/10/roy-bailey-10th-norfolk-district-debate.html

Rep Roy announces endorsements

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/state-representative-jeff-roy-rolls-out.html

Advanced processing announced by Town Clerk

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/10/notice-of-advanced-removal-of-early.html

First week of early voting activity revealed

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/10/1640-voters-early-ballots-cast-in-first.html