Day of Decision as Grafton heads to the polls Tuesday

Nearly 1,900 Grafton residents have already voted in Tuesday’s Town Election, but for those who prefer to do it old school — or at least at a school — the polls open at 8 a.m.

“We have sent roughly 1,854 ballots out to individuals,” Town Clerk Kandy Lavallee said Monday afternoon. “The last time I checked, it was around 1,530 early voting ballots and 324 absentee ballots. We are still entering in the ballots returned, but I believe that number is close to 1,200 through today.”

At stake in this election: a $4 million Proposition 2 1/2 override to fund school spending, the hiring of a new Fire Department leadership team, and several municipal expenses, as well as purchases for both police and fire equipment.

The election also has the potential to change the town’s leadership. Select Board Chairperson Jennifer Thomas, a six-year incumbent, and member Donna Stock, elected last fall to fill out a term, are both up for re-election. Challenging them are Mathew Often and Colleen Roy, both members of the Finance Committee.

A replacement for Town Moderator Ray Mead, who served Grafton for more than 20 years, will also be chosen. Dan Concaugh, an attorney who served as a town manager in Upton and Millville, and Bruce Spinney, a former selectman who served in the Marines, are both up for election.

Precincts 1, 2, and 3 vote at Grafton Middle School, 22 Providence Road. Precincts 4 and 5 vote at Millbury Street Elementary School, 105 Millbury St. Both polling stations have been set up with floor markings for voters to maintain social distancing, as well as plastic dividers to separate poll workers from the public.

There will be a separate entrance and exit at each precinct, which will be clearly marked. Only 10 voters will be allowed in a precinct to cast their ballot at one time.

Voters are asked to wear masks and masks will be on hand for any voters who may need one, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Each voting booth will be cleaned and sanitized after each voter casts his or her ballot.

Voters may bring their own black pen to mark their ballot if they prefer.

Absentee/Early Voting ballots must be returned by the close of polls on election day to the Town Clerk’s office. Use the Gold Box located out front of Town Hall to drop your ballots. Ballots will not be accepted at the polls.

Polls close at 8 p.m.

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