Publishers’ Note:  This article has a humorous angle to it – the topic however is NOT funny.  It is every eligible voter’s right to cast their vote and let their voice be heard.

Saturday, August 22^nd began the in-person early voting for the Massachusetts State Primary.  The Holliston early voting polls opened at 9:00 am on this sunny Saturday morning.  Town Clerk, Liz Greendale and her staff had the Upper Town Hall set up and staffed to provide a safe and sanitary polling place.  The Holliston Reporter ‘embedded’ two people to get the inside story to share with those who are considering early voting in-person between now and August 28^th.  Here’s what Yvette and I observed.

As we approached the Town Hall it was easy to know that we had found the right place.  Clear signage guided us to the Upper Town Hall where the early voting is taking place.  We were pleasantly surprised to find the room comfortably air conditioned.

Upstairs we found the Upper Town Hall set up with all the things that we expect at an election:  a check-in station with safety shields, twelve socially distant voting stations, and a check-out station where completed ballots were securely collected.  One thing that is different is that there is a ‘greeter’ in the Town Hall lobby to direct voters and ensure that everyone has a face covering – there is supply of paper masks available if needed.  The greeter will also direct voters needing ‘a lift’ to the Upper Town Hall to the elevator.

At check in, each voter receives a ballot, a sanitized pen, and an envelope into which the completed ballot is sealed before being deposited in the secure collection bin.  The used pens are collected at the check-out desk and sanitized before being used again.

During the four hours the polls were open on Saturday, the Town’s sanitization contractor came through to disinfect all the surfaces in the room and rest room.

Liz reported that as of today, nearly 3,600 ballots had been mailed to homes.  Many of those choosing to vote by mail have had their ballots received in the Town Clerk’s office. Those who feel more comfortable hand delivering their completed mail-in ballot may drop them at the Town Clerk’s office during early voting hours OR use the drop box at the back door of the Town Hall (shown below).  Later this week a secure ballot box will be installed outside the Town Hall to collect completed mail in ballots.

The deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot is Wednesday, August 26^th (the request must be received by the Town Clerk by close of business). 

The early voting polls are open: Sunday (today) from 9 – 1; Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 – 4:30; Tuesday, 8:30 – 7:00; and Friday, 8:30 – 1.

Voter turnout for the first day of early voting in Holliston was meager – 14 people cast ballots.  The first early voter came in right at 9:00 – setting up some false hopes for a strong turnout. The good news was that there was no crowding and safety precautions were maintained- and we had good books to read during slow periods. 

Perhaps Sunday’s turnout will be stronger with an after-church rush!