Election News and More
Town Clerk News
Town Clerk Ellie Van Iderstine reminds us that the state election will take place on Tuesday, November 3. Polling hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Office. Here is what Ellie has to say:
Registration
The deadline to register to vote in the election is October 24. If you have a teenager turning 18 before the election, make sure that teenager PRE-REGISTERS! Even if they will turn 18 after the 24th, they will be able to vote if they turn 18 before/on the third. Remember, teens can pre-register beginning at the age of 16.
Red Books with Ballot Question Information
The ballots have nine questions this year, with some potentially confusing language. If you did not receive your “Red Book” (the Massachusetts publication that explains the proposed laws/changes), please come grab one at Town Office. We also have them in LARGE PRINT if you find yourself using a magnifying glass to read the original.
Voting by Mail
Applications for mail-in ballots will be accepted until October 27. If you have already signed up for a mail-in ballot, you should be receiving it soon. The ballots have two pages, so please be sure to return BOTH. You may send them back by mail, drop them off in-person during office hours, or utilize the drop box on the side of the Town Office Building. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on the November 3to be counted. If you request a ballot the week before elections, return it by hand to ensure your vote is counted.
Early Voting
Massachusetts mandates a two-week early voting period from October 17 to the 30th. Registered voters may come to Town Office during any of the times below to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.
Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, October 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, from noon to 4 p.m.
Friday, October 23, from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, October 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27, from noon to 4 p.m.
Friday, October 30, from noon to 4 p.m.
First Count
On Saturday, October 31, at 11 a.m. I will be conducting a first count, which involves opening the early and mail-in ballots that have been received and tallying the votes for those ballots. Anyone wishing to observe the count is welcome. (I can’t say it will be exciting, but it’s democracy in action!)
General Clerk Notes
I apologize for my fluctuating hours, but for the foreseeable future my Clerk hours are Mondays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come see me for records, transfer station stickers/cards, business permits, random questions, or just to say hello!
Speaking of the Election
Because the election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, a few things will change that week.
The Selectboard meeting that would ordinarily take place that evening will move to Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m.
The Town Office is not supposed to be open for business on Election Day. Consequently, my office hours will move from Tuesday that week to Monday, November 2, from noon to 4 p.m. The Tax Collector will not be in the office on Tuesday that week either.
School Sustainability Update
The 2 District/8 Town Group has prepared a document that explains its vision of what a potential combined school would look like. Take a look here!
Help Read Frederick Douglass
As some of you may know, from time to time the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities organizes meetings throughout the state of “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” This speech was given in 1852 by the formerly enslaved abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
As part of its second year of the program “Museum on Main Street Voices and Votes,” Mohawk Trail Regional School will hold a reading of the speech on Thursday, October 29, at 7 p.m. in the school library. Students and adult guests will take turns reading from the speech, which lasts for a little over half an hour.
The school is looking for volunteers to join in the reading. If you would like to participate, please let me (Tinky) know by calling me at home (413-339-4747); I am the organizer of this event, along with some terrific teachers at the school. We will gather at 5 p.m. in the school library to rehearse, enjoy some refreshments, and then be ready for the reading at 7.
No one will have to read much, I promise! And the speech is moving.
That’s it this for week. I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you by writing to you two days in a row. The next few days are supposed to be lovely and sunny so enjoy the foliage. It’s our reward for the shrinking hours of sunlight at this time of year.
Warmly,
Tinky Weisblat
Gal Friday
Town of Hawley
413-339-5518 office/413-339-4747 home
