Everything you want to know about Grafton’s postponed town election, including voting by mail
The town election, postponed until June 23 due to COVID-19, will feature early voting by mail and an adjustment to absentee ballot regulations, as well as regular polling locations.
The Select Board last week voted to postpone the election, originally scheduled for May 19. Town Meeting was also moved from May 11 to June 20.
Due to current events, voters have three options to ensure their right to vote. A voter can either vote at their precinct on election day, submit a written request for an absentee or early voting ballot or request an absentee or early voting ballot application be sent to them.
Absentee ballots are available to voters for the following reasons and signed under the penalty of perjury:
- Absence from the voter’s city or town on Election Day
- Physical disability;
- Religious belief.
- The new law specifies that any person taking a precaution related to COVID-19 qualifies for an absentee ballot by reason of physical disability. This would include those who are sick, self-quarantined, or simply choosing not to go to a public place for their own safety or for a family member’s safety.
Early Voting Ballots do not require a reason and can be requested by any voter. Please note that in person voting will not be offered, and a ballot will be mailed directly to you at the address indicated on the form. Forms can be obtained at the following places:
- Town of Grafton website under News and Announcements on the front page: www.grafton-ma.gov
- The Town Clerk department page under News and Announcements: https://www.grafton-ma.gov/town-clerk
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth web page: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/
- Calling or emailing the Town Clerk’s office to mail or email a form directly to you.
The deadline to apply for either an absentee ballot or early voting ballot will be noon on Monday, June 22.
Completed forms or written requests can be dropped off or mailed to the Municipal Center, faxed to (508) 839-4602 or emailed to clerks@grafton-ma.gov. Please note that a wet signature is required, and electronic signatures will not be accepted
Ballots are currently not available for the election. An announcement will be made when they are ready to be distributed and will be sent directly to voters who applied for an absentee or early voting ballot at the address indicated on their form. Voters do not need to wait for this announcement to request a ballot and can mail in applications or written request at any time. The request must be received, not postmarked, by the Clerk’s office by June 22 at noon.
Ballots must be returned by mail or dropped off at the Municipal Center before the close of polls on election day. Absentee and Early Voting ballots will not be accepted at the polls.
After this time, a voter must vote at their polling location on election day. All polling locations and election hours will remain the same. Precincts 1, 2, and 3 will vote at the Grafton Middle School (24 Providence Road) and Precincts 4 and 5 will vote at the Millbury Street Elementary School (105 Millbury Street). Polls will be open from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
The last day to register is Friday, June 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Individuals can call the office to request a voter registration form be mailed to them, register to vote online at www.registertovotema.com, or print a mail in registration form from the Secretary of the Commonwealth website at www.sec.state.ma.us.
If you registered to vote through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, a state agency, online or by mail and have not received an acknowledgement from the Town Clerk please call the Town Clerk’s office at (508) 839-5335 ext.1195 immediately. If you wish to check your voter status, call (508) 839-5335 ext. 1195.
The following people have turned in their nomination papers and will be on the ballot unless they choose to withdraw:
- Housing Authority (5 year term) — Lisa Brovelli Kelley, candidate for re-election
- Town Moderator (3 year term) — Daniel M. Concaugh, Bruce W. Spinney, III
- Library Trustees (3 year term) — Karen Durand, candidate for re-election; Martin I. Estner
- Planning Board (1 year) — Justin B. Wood
- Planning Board (3 year) — Linda C. Hassinger
- Select Board (3 year term, two seats) Mathew Often, Colleen Roy; Donna Stock and Jennifer R. Thomas, candidates for re-election
- School Committee (1 year term) Elizabeth Anderson Spinney
- School Committee (3 year term) Rahul Rathi
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