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Town Meetings and Elections
Upcoming 2022 Events
MA State Primary
September 6, 2022
Memorial School
7 AM - 8 PM
Vote by Mail
Vote by Mail Application
(Deadline to request a ballot by mail is August 29 by 5 PM)
Early Voting at Town Hall:
8/27 (11 AM-5 PM), 8/29 (9 AM-4 PM), 8/30 (9 AM-4 PM), 8/31 (9 AM-4 PM), 9/1 (9 AM-6 PM) and 9/2 (By Appointment).
(Voting in Person at the Polls after submitting an early ballot is prohibited as outlined in 950 CMR 4 7.19.)
State Election
November 8, 2022
Memorial School
7 AM - 8 PM
Special Town Meeting
Monday, November 14, 2022
Memorial School
Evening
Know These 5 Things Before Voting:
1. Are you a registered voter?
The deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the State Primary election is Saturday, August 27 at 5:00 pm. The Town Clerk's Office will be open on this date from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM for in person voter registration or register to vote online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ This is also the last day to make changes to your party affiliation. REMEMBER, the Primary is a Partisan Election and you must vote on the ballot for the party in which you are registered. If you are registered as Unenrolled, you may choose which party ballot you want to vote on.
2. Is your voter status "active"?
Voters must return their signed street list census form annually to the Town Clerk’s office to maintain an active voter status. Inactive voters are still eligible to vote but will be required to complete additional forms and show an ID at the polls to vote. To avoid having to complete additional paperwork at the polls, voters who appear as inactive can change their status to active by stopping by the Town Clerks Office to sign a census form in person up until Saturday, August 27 @ 5:00 pm. Changes to the voting lists cannot be made after the deadline of August 27.
3. Can I vote Early in person or by Mail?
Yes! You can vote early either in person or by mail. See the Early Voting schedule on the other side of this card for dates, hours and location! You can also vote by mail by applying to the Office of the Town Clerk no later than 5 pm on Monday, August 29 at 5:00 pm. Applications can be found on the Town’s website or the Secretary of States website.
4. Where do I vote on ELECTION DAY?
The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea has 1 polling location. All voters vote at: Memorial Elementary School Gymnasium, 43 Lincoln Street
5. What will I be voting on?
Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the many races and questions that will appear on their ballot PRIOR to arriving at the polls. By visiting the website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleupcomingelections/upcoming-elections.htm You will have the option to view your ballot and check your registration status. Educated voters will reduce the amount of time necessary in the voting booths and reduce lines and crowding on Election Day. Sample ballots will also be available to view at the Office of the Town Clerk, 10 Central Street, MBTS as well as on the Town Clerk’s page.
PAST EVENTS
Select Board Recount
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Town Hall Room #5
Town Election
May 17, 2022
2022 Official Election Results
Annual Town Meeting
April 25, 2022
7 PM
Memorial School
MINUTES from the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING April 25, 2022
PLEASE CONTACT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
Office: 978-526-2040 | Email: TownClerk@manchester.ma.us
Volunteer at future elections:
2021 Election Recruitment Application
How to Run for Office
Annual Town Meeting takes place on the first Monday in April at 7:00 PM. One must be a registered voter in the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea to vote at Town Meeting. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to Town Meeting for a timely check in.
State and local elections take place at Manchester Essex Regional High School, 36 Lincoln Street. You must be a registered voter in the Town of Manchester-by-the- Sea to vote. The annual local election takes place on the third Tuesday in May. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Why must we vote in person at Town Meeting?
Recently we’ve received a number of questions from residents about voting, in particular whether it is possible to vote by absentee ballot or by proxy. Under state law, neither is permitted.
Town meetings are governed by Chapter 39 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The statute requires that voters be present at the meeting to hear the debate and exercise their right to vote. Historically, in colonial times attendance at town meeting was mandatory, and those who were absent or arrived late could be fined.
As a practical matter, absentee ballots at town meeting could not be effective as they are for elections. In an election, the candidates and any referendum questions are known well in advance of the date. At a town meeting, on the other hand, no one can predict with certainty what motions or amendments may be proposed on town meeting floor. It would be impossible to anticipate the questions to be decided in preparing an absentee ballot.
While we understand the frustration of residents whose travel plans or other circumstances may prevent their attending Town Meetings, the Town has no choice but to follow the requirements of state law. In 2003, almost 850 voters attended the meeting to consider construction of the Middle High School. With electronic voting, everyone will be able to express her or his choice privately, and we’ll know the result immediately – without having to count paper ballots as we did 15 years ago!
Alan Wilson, Town Moderator