Heres an important memo from our Town Clerk, Onorina Maloney, about the upcoming consolidation of our polling locations: November 7, 2014 TO: The Honorable Board of Selectmen FROM: Onorina Z. Maloney, Town Clerk RE: Polling place consolidation from five to two locations (McCarthy School and the Senior Center) Dear Board Members, There is a quote that states, “Not every change yields an improvement, but every improvement requires change.” What I am proposing is an improvement, and yes, it does require change. I am cognizant that changing polling locations may pose an initial inconvenience for some voters; however I am confident that there will also be many voters whose drive will be minimized. Please be aware that at present, voters from most precincts do not vote at polling locations within their geographic precinct (precincts 2 and 3 vote in precinct 8, precinct 8 votes in precinct 7, precinct 9 votes in precinct 1, and precinct 4 votes in precinct 6). This proposal will enhance security and reduce disruption at the three elementary schools that presently serve as polling locations, streamline Chelmsford elections, and save money. Most importantly, as you are aware, the elementary schools that we use as polling locations have open doors all day on Election Day. Removing polling locations from these schools will be another step in the Town’s ongoing effort to enhance the safety of our youngest students. In addition, by removing elections from three schools and consolidating at one school (plus the Senior Center) we will eliminate the disruption that takes place at the elementary schools on Election Day and the day before when polling places are set up. Reducing the number of polling locations will greatly enhance the efficiency with which we are able to plan for, staff, equip, set up, and run elections in Chelmsford. Increased efficiency will save the Town money. We have attached additional information that outlines the improvements we foresee with the implementation of this consolidation. My Office has conducted comprehensive research and considered a full range of possible locations. Considerations were a central location; compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements; sufficient space inside the polling location and adequate parking outside; adequate lighting; and sufficient on-site storage to mitigate risk of equipment damage and loss. I am pleased to report to you that feedback has been widespread and positive, and I am respectfully asking that the Board of Selectmen vote in favor of this proposed consolidation so that we may begin notifying voters by inserting a flyer in the 2015 Town Census. Once approved, the consolidation will begin with the April 7, 2015 Annual Town Election. Please be aware that there are over 50 communities that have already consolidated their polling places. Below is a snapshot of towns with comparable populations and precinct numbers, along with Chelmsford’s information. Andover (population: 33,201) 9 Precincts, 1 Polling Location (High School) for Town Elections 6 precincts vote at High School, 3 precincts vote at Senior Center for State Elections Franklin (population: 33,092) 8 Precincts, 1 Polling Location, Franklin High School Reading (population: 24,747) 8 Precincts, 1 Polling Location, Reading High School North Andover (population: 28,352) 8 Precincts, 1 Polling Location, North Andover High School North Attleboro (population: 28,978) 9 Precincts, 2 Polling Locations 7 Precincts: North Attleboro High School – 570 Landry Avenue 2 Precincts: Showcase Cinemas In Chelmsford (population: 33,802) 9 Precincts, 5 Polling Locations 2 Precincts (1&9) at Town Offices Building 2 Precincts (2&3) at Harrington Elementary School 2 Precincts (4&6) Westlands School 2 Precincts (7&8) at McCarthy Middle School small gym 1 Precinct (5) at Byam Elementary School Respectfully submitted, Onorina Z. Maloney Town Clerk
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 11:58:34 +0000
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