Published in the November 2, 2016 edition
Dear Editor:
Although it seems like we’ve been hearing about the November 8 elections for the past two years, as we come into the home stretch, I want to share some thoughts that will help you and the election staff to make the day an enjoyable experience for all involved. To that end – I’ve put together a brief list of do’s and don’ts.
• Do check your voting status before heading to the polls (active or inactive)
• Do know your precinct before coming to vote (1, 2, 3, 4)
• Do come to the Lynnfield High School to vote (in the main gym as usual)
• Do look at the bulletins and samples posted on the gym walls for voting instructions and precinct listings
• Do give your name and address at the both the check in and check out tables (required by MGL)
• Do bring your identification (just in case it is needed, especially if your census is not up to date)
• Do be prepared to stand in line for an extra few minutes (a heavy turnout is expected)
• Don’t wear political buttons, t-shirts, or stickers into the polling place or within 150 feet of the voting entrance (that’s another MGL)
• Don’t park in the “no parking fire lanes”
• Don’t bring pets to the voting location (unless they are approved service animals)
• Don’t talk on your cell phone once inside the polling location
• Don’t talk about the ballot with the election workers or your friends while waiting to vote (this could be viewed as trying to influence other voters).
To check your address, voter status or your precinct number before going to the polls, log onto https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm. You are also welcome to call the Town Clerk’s office at 781-334-9400 during normal business hours, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
With some basic preparation – exercising your right to vote will be an enjoyable experience.
Thank you,
Trudy Reid
Lynnfield Town Clerk
