The annual town election has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 26
In response to the passage of Chapter 45 of the Acts of 2020, “An Act Granting Authority to Postpone 2020 Municipal Elections in the Commonwealth and Increase Voting Options in Response to the Declaration of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19,” the Needham Select Board voted on March 27 to postpone the annual town election scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, to May 26.
The law establishes a new voter registration deadline of 8:00 p.m. on the 10th day before the rescheduled election. The Special Voter Registration Session will be held on Friday, May 15.
The law authorizes the Town to reuse election materials. The Town will be using the official and absentee ballots created for the April 14 election. The specimen ballot for the annual town election is under the Town of Needham’s official website - Town Departments - Town Clerk - Elections, Calendars, Voting - 2020 Elections.
In light of the widespread practice of social distancing, the law provides for two alternatives to voting in person:
First, the law allows any person taking precaution related to COVID-19 to vote by absentee ballot by reason of physical disability. All applications for an absentee ballot must be received by the Town Clerk before noon on Friday, May 22, the last business day before the election. Any person may apply for an absentee ballot by sending a signed request to the Town Clerk’s office or filling out an absentee ballot application. Early voting ballot must be received by the Town Clerk before the polls close 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (May 26).
Second, the law provides for early voting by mail. All applications for early voting ballots must be received before noon on Friday, May 22. Any person may obtain an early voting ballot by sending a signed request to the Town Clerk’s office or by filling out and returning the early voting application. The early voting ballot must be received by the Town Clerk before the polls close 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
