Will Grafton voters turn out if the only contested race in the election is library trustee?

As the March 30 deadline for nomination papers approaches, the only contested race in the May 18 is for library trustee — and this is a year where no incumbents are running for Select Board and Town Moderator.

For Select Board, former town moderator Raymond Mead has turned in his nomination papers for the seat currently held by Ed Prisby, who is not seeking re-election.

Dawn Anderson has also turned in her nomination papers for the town moderator position vacated last fall by Dan Concaugh. As a result, the race is only for a two-year term.

Both Robert Hassinger and Justin Wood are seeking re-election to their seats on the Planning Board. Both have completed their nomination papers.

On the School Committee, Laura Often and Elizabeth Anderson Spinney are running for re-election and have turned in nomination papers.

The race for three spots on the Library Trustees has four candidates: Incumbent Stephanie Teixeira has turned in her papers, while fellow board members Douglas Bowman and Aaron Vandesteen are still completing their nomination forms. Julie Feeney has also pulled papers.

Incumbent James Gallagher has returned his papers for the single five-year term on the Grafton Housing Authority.

Due to COVID-19, interested candidates may contact the Town Clerk’s office to set up an appointment to receive their papers. Someone from the office will meet the candidates outside of the Municipal Center to sign forms and ensure all information is correct. The same process will be repeated when returning forms.

Candidates are required to obtain 50 signatures in ink — no electronic signatures are allowed and no extensions have been given. Papers are due back to the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 30.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on April 15 to withdraw their nominations.

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