Grafton receives Bertonazzi award for high voter turnout

When Grafton residents feel passionate about politics, they show up to vote — and now, they are getting recognized for it.

The town will be presented with the Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Outstanding Citizenship Award in recognition of having the highest voter turnout over the last two years amongst the 19 towns at were in Bertonazzi’s district.

Bertonazzi represented the Worcester and Norfolk district, which included Grafton until redistricting, for more than a decade until his retirement. His foundation recognizes achievement in towns he served.

Across five elections in the last two years, Grafton had a voting rate of 38.79 percent. 

“This is the first time we have won this award during my time as Clerk, so I’m happy to see our residents recognized,” Town Clerk Kandy Lavallee said. “Our office and the registrars will continue to work hard to keep our voting rate high.” 

Lavallee pointed to the many voting programs the town has in place and cited the proactive voting base as the foundation of Grafton’s success. Due to the unique nature of voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the clerk’s office included a voting schedule in the Town Census form and encouraged people to vote by mail for local elections.

The Select Board will receive a plaque, which will be displayed for two years. The public will receive a commemorative banner and the Board of Registrars will be presented a check for $1,000. The money will be used to help increase voter awareness and turnout. 

“The residents of Grafton should be proud of their accomplishments,” Select Board Chair Peter Carlson said. “Our town is very engaged, and hopefully this will encourage more people to get involved and become a part of the process.” 

The award will be presented at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.