To the editor:
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 in 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 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 in the auditorium of Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., 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 Office in Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. 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.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day, you must return your ballot by 8 p.m. to the Town Clerk’s office in Abbot Hall.
Important: Please 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 tinyurl.com/yz9ezvnv.
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? You can bring a note with you as a reminder of 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 and 3: Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St.
— Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Judy & Gene Jacobi Community Center, 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.
Sincerely,
Shari Pressman
McKinley Road
