August News from the Town Clerk

It’s August and we’re still dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. It certainly has changed the way we have had to operate over the past 5 months but I am happy to report that all Town Hall offices are now open with the necessary precautions; mask wearing, social distancing and sanitizing. Even though we are open to the public and love seeing Seekonk resident’s, we would like to remind you that if you can get things done by a phone call, email, regular mail or the drop-box in front of Town Hall that would be greatly appreciated for everyone’s safety.

In the July issue of the Reporter I had an error in the recap of the Annual Spring Town Meeting. I’m sorry if this caused confusion. Under Article 13 it should have said:

– Moved that the Town amend Section 3.2 of the Seekonk zoning by-laws and the zoning map by changing the zoning designation of the property located at 0 Lake St., identified as Seekonk Assessors plat 16, lots 30 and 32, containing approximately 25.45 acres of land from R-4 zone to R-2 zone. Motion did not pass a 2/3 majority.

The Town Clerk’s office must plan months ahead of time for many of the tasks we perform, particularly elections. 2020 has already been a challenging year with the March State Primary and the Annual Town Election. We are now planning for the September 1, State Primary and the November 3, State/Presidential Election. Please note that the Governor signed new legislation regarding elections that provide three options to vote:

Vote by Mail - Vote Early in person – Vote on Election Day.

Fall Elections

 Vote by Mail – All registered voters qualify to vote by mail in both fall 2020 elections. Application post cards were mailed by the State July 1 to ALL registered voters. People who register to vote after that date will be sent an application to vote by mail with their voter registration acknowledgment receipt. If you want to request an application to vote by mail please go to the town’s website www.seekonk-ma.gov under departments/Town Clerk/ downloadable forms/ Vote by Mail Application. Once printed you can email it to townclerk@seekonk-ma.gov (if emailing, your signature must be visible and signed in the same manner as a handwritten signature) mail it back to: 100 Peck St. Seekonk, MA 02771, drop it off in the white drop-off box in front of Town Hall, or hand deliver it to the Town Clerk’s office. It is important to remember when voting in the Primary, if you are an Independent (unenrolled) voter you must check off what party ballot you want sent to you. We will not be able to send a ballot without a party designation. The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot for the Sept 1, Primary is August 26^th -5pm.

Return vote by mail ballots – Mailed ballots include a postage pre-paid return ballot envelope addressed to the Town Clerk’s Office. You may return your ballot by mail, drop it off in the white drop-off box in front of Town Hall or hand deliver it to the Town Clerk’s office. Voters who receive a vote by mail ballot, but do not return it prior to Election Day, may cast their vote in person on Election Day. Any voter that has returned a vote by mail ballot, or voted early in person is not permitted to vote in person on Election Day.

Deadlines for ballots to be returned and counted– Primary Election: Polls by 8PM Sept 1 and Presidential Election: Polls by 8PM Nov 3^rd.

Vote Early in Person – In person early voting for the State Primary will be held at the Town Hall, 100 Peck Street, in the Board of Selectmen’s meeting room.

Please note we will be practicing all Town Hall safety protocols. Poll workers and the voters must wear masks at all times. No more than 5 voters will be allowed in the BOS meeting room at all times.

State Primary Sept 1, 2020 - Early voting schedule Saturday August 22^nd - Friday August 28^th

You can view the four parties sample ballots at: www.seekonk-ma.gov

Under Departments/ Town Clerk / Elections and Voting.

Have a great month, stay well and remember the Town Clerk’s office welcomes inquiries from all residents seeking assistance, or information in relation to services provided by the Town of Seekonk.

Florice Craig, Town Clerk & Lorraine Sorel, Assistant Town Clerk