To the editor:
Do you have a plan for this election?
Are you going to vote early? Are you going to vote by mail? Are you going to vote in person on Nov. 5? Have you decided for whom you’ll vote for every contest on the ballot? Do you know how you’ll vote on each of the five ballot questions?
Notice that not voting is not an option. Voting is your direct voice on what your vision is for your state and for your country.
A group of us were sharing voting memories. One of my earliest was as a child helping to close the heavy curtain and my father lifting me up to pull the levers on the gear and lever voting machines commonly used in those days. I felt so grown up! For some in the group memories of voting for the first time confirmed adult responsibilities and privileges.
“Now I’m a real American” the brand-new voters recalled, voting for the first time on their 18th birthday.
Someone shared more recent memories of taking grandchildren with them to model what they hope will become a lifelong practice. Besides, everyone gets “I Voted” stickers!
Back to your plan. You can vote early at Abbot Hall Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 1 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Did you get a ballot in the mail? Drop it off at the Town Clerk’s during office hours: Thursday, Oct. 31 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 1 between 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or Monday, Nov. 4 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day, you must return your ballot by 8 p.m. to the Town Clerk’s office in Abbot Hall.
DO NOT DROP YOUR BALLOT IN THE RED BOX IN FRONT OF ABBOT HALL OR AT THE TOWN OFFICES ON WIDGER ROAD. It must be hand delivered to the Town Clerk’s office.
If your plan is to vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, you can confirm your polling place at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm.
At that site, you’ll also be able to click on My State Election Ballot to view a sample ballot. Check the websites of any candidates whose names are not familiar to you.
Do you need more information on the ballot questions? https://cspa.tufts.edu/2024-ballot-questions.
You can bring a note with you as a reminder whether you’re voting Yes or No on each question.
Polling places in Marblehead are Precinct 1: Old Town House-One Market Square; Precincts 2 & 3: Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St.; Precincts 4,5 & 6: Judy & Gene Jacobi Community Center Gym-10 Humphrey St.
You must vote at your own polling location.
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on election day.
Questions: Contact the Town Clerk’s office at (781) 631-0528)
Your vote is your voice. Make sure it’s heard.
Shari Pressman
League of Women Voters of
Marblehead Voter Service
