Annual Westwood Town Election On April 28

Westwood MA

31 March, 2021

8:46 AM

Description

Press release from the Town of Westwood: March 29, 2021 The Annual Town Election has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 28, 2021 On March 25, 2021, the Select Board voted to postpone the Annual Town Election from Tuesday, April 27, 2021, to Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The vote was pursuant to the Provisions of Chapter 5 Acts of 2021, extension of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020, Sections 1 and 2, 1(a). The reason for the change in our Annual Town Election date, which is dictated by our Town Charter (sec. 2.2.1), is as follows: Westwood Public Schools are planning to return to full in-person learning, 5 days per week, starting on Monday, April 5, 2021. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Sheehan and Downey School gymnasiums are to be converted into temporary classroom space making these spaces unavailable as polling locations for the Annual Town Election which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2021. In order to not disrupt established polling locations, it was determined the Town would need to seek out an alternative plan for the Annual Town Election. Westwood Public Schools has a Staff Professional Development Day scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, 2021, and school will not be in session. As a result, the Town can proceed with voting in person for the Annual Town Election on Wednesday, April 28th,2021 without any disruption to established polling locations. Voter Registration deadline: Date Location Times Times Friday –April 16, 2021 Town Clerk's Office Westwood Town Hall 580 High Street 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Register to Vote Online Check your Voter Registration Status In light of widespread practice of social distancing, the temporary changes to Mass Election laws due to COVID-19, Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020 & Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2021 provides for three alternatives to voting in person: Absentee voting is available to those who qualify (see below): You are away from Town on Election Day; or Have a disability that keeps you from voting at your polling place; or Have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling place on Election Day For elections held through June 30, 2021, state law clarifies that any person taking precautions relating to COVID-19 qualifies for an absentee ballot by reason of physical disability. Applications or any other form of written correspondence requesting an absentee ballot must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 22, 2021 to the Town Clerk's office. Applications can be obtained online, by contacting the Town Clerks office and one will be mailed, or in the lobby of the Westwood Police Station. Absentee voting in person is available by appointment only through 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2021 provided you meet the above requirements. Early Voting By Mail (available to all voters, no excuse required): Applications or any other form of written correspondence requesting a ballot will need to be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2021 to the Town Clerk's office.Applications can be obtained online, by contacting the Town Clerks office and one will be mailed, or in the lobby of the Westwood Police Station. Early Voting in Person: Location: Jaillet Meeting Room, Westwood Police Station, 588 High Street: Dates Times Friday - April 23, 2021 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm Saturday – April 24, 2021 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday – April 25, 2021 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Please contact Town Clerk, Dottie Powers at [email protected] or 781-326-3964 with any questions. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this pandemic. The health and safety of all of our citizens is our main priority at this time! This press release was produced by the Town of Westwood. The views expressed here are the author's own.