From the Town Clerk

November is shaping up to be one of the busiest months out of the year. We have the Mid-Term Elections, Fall Town meeting, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and, of course Black Friday, for all the shoppers out there.

I was recently wondering why Election Day is on the first Tuesday in November. What I found was that in 1845 Congress passed a law establishing that the day for choosing presidential electors (in other words, the day for the popular vote that would determine the electors of the electoral congress) would be every four years on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday, in November. November was most likely chosen because by then the harvest would have been over and the harsh winter weather had not yet arrived. Tuesday was chosen because elections were generally held at county seats, and people in outlying areas could begin their travels on a Monday, avoiding traveling on the Sunday. Fast forward to today, many people complain that it is held on a Tuesday saying it creates obstacles, discourages participation and people can’t take it off from work. Luckily there are several different processes in place like absentee voting and early voting to help eliminate these issues. It’s hard to say what changes the future will bring to elections but voting on the first Tuesday in November will most likely be with us for a long time to come.

Election News
Early voting ends on November 2nd. The State Election will be held on November 6, 2018. All precincts vote at the Seekonk High School gym. The voting takes place from 7:00AM - 8:00PM

Town Meeting News
Annual Fall Town Meeting - November 19, 2018
The Town Meeting will be held 7pm, Monday November 19 at 261 Arcade Ave. Seekonk High School auditorium.
The warrant is available to look at on the Town Web site: www.seekonk-ma.gov or if you want a copy please come to the Town Hall we will gladly give you a copy. They will also be handed out as you go into the meeting.
Hope to see everyone turn out for this important town meeting. Get involved – your opinion and vote matters!

The Seekonk Senior Center is reaching out to families who may be in need of a Thanksgiving Dinner Basket. If you, or someone you know is in need please give the Senior Center a call at (508) 336-8772 and they will assist you in this wonderful giving back to the community program. Anyone who is homebound and would like a hot meal delivered on Thanksgiving should sign up at Seekonk Human Services by November 9th.

They will also be doing a program: Adopting a family for Christmas. For more information on how you can adopt a family in need please call the Senior Center.

The Kiwanis Tree Lighting will be held December 6th at 6:00PM at the Seekonk Town Hall, 100 Peck Street. The Hurley Middle School Brass ensemble will play Christmas carols. Santa Claus will arrive in a fire engine and then meet with the children in town hall. Cocoa and cookies will be provided. It’s a wonderful time for people of all ages and a great way to kick off the Holiday Season. There are many in need in our community please don’t forget your canned good contributions for Doorways Food Pantry.

Annual Holiday Crafts & Book Sale will be held November 24th from 9AM- 3PM at the Seekonk Public Library. 410 Neman Ave. Local craftspeople and vendors will be selling their unique creations. A book-sale will add to the day’s festivities, books will be 50 cents and children’s books just 25 cents. There will also be a great raffle basket. Tickets will be $1 each or 8 for $5. All proceeds from the event benefit the Seekonk Public Library. For more information contact the Seekonk Public Library at (508) 336-8230

The Annual Seekonk Town Election 2019 will be held Monday April 1, 2019. Nomination papers for offices up for election will be available December 10, 2018 in the Town Clerk’s office. Deadline to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk is Monday February 12, 2019 at 5PM.

You must obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from voters registered in Seekonk. A street address) not a P.O. Box is required from each person signing your papers.

Elected positions available in 2019:
One seat for Board of Selectmen (3-year term)
One seat for the Board of Assessors (3-year term)
Three seats for The Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)
Two seat for the Planning Board (5-year term)
Two Seats for the School Committee (3-year term)
One Seat for Water Commission (3-year term)

Town Hall will be closed on November 12th to celebrate Veteran’s Day. Please take a moment to think about and thank a veteran for their dedication, service and sacrifice for our Country.

The Town Hall hours for the week of Thanksgiving is as follows:
Monday & Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Wednesday 8:30AM – 12:30PM
Thursday & Friday – Closed

Lorraine and I wish everyone a Thanksgiving filled with health, laughter, family, friendship and of course great food.