Pauly's Templeton Watch: Paper Ballot Information for District Wide Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2019

Paper Ballot Information for District Wide Meeting

In reading over the material posted for the upcoming District Wide meeting, I had a few questions regarding the procedure to request paper ballots. I contacted the moderator, Kevin Flynn.

The request:

Good morning Kevin,

I have reviewed the documentation provided for the District wide meeting. I have a question about the secret ballot process. In the documentation provided it states :

"This ballot will only be used if requested and voted by majority at this meeting for a paper ballot vote and declared by the Moderator."

What is the process to request a paper ballot?

When is the request made?

How is the request made for a paper ballot?

Is the amendment form used?

Thank you for your help in addressing these questions.

Julie Farrell

24 Myrtle St

Baldwinville, MA 01436

Precint B Templeton

The response:

Julie,

Your should let me know as soon as possible. Presumably since you are asking you intend to request a paper ballot. If you do, please just send me an email and confirm it the night of the meeting in person. You do not need to submit the amendment form. When the time comes I will note your request.

Just so you fully understand what is involved, a request for a paper ballot requires a standing count vote with a majority in favor. We do this row by row, first the ayes, then the nays, by section. If there are overflow voters in the gymnasium we do the same there. The numbers are totaled by the Town Clerks and I announce the results. Then for the paper ballot itself, each voter marks the ballot they were given when they checked in, then they come down front, row by row by section, to deposit their ballot, receive a new color ballot, and return to their seats; the center section goes last and they file out one side and return by the other side. It looks something like what happens at the end of a funeral mass when the ushers/funeral directors escort the mourners to pay their respects to the family. Everyone returns to their seats and waits while all votes are cast and counted. Again, if there is overflow in the gymnasium, they follow the procedure depositing ballots in the box there, which the tellers retrieve and bring to the auditorium to be counted. Then the clerks count the ballots and provide me with the grand total for and against. If a voter is unable to come down front due to physical infirmity, the election official will bring their ballot to the box down front and return them a new colored ballot. This process is designed to ensure the security of the vote, but it is lengthy and can be uncomfortable. My family lived in Templeton from 1986-2000. I know the reasons why people seek a paper ballot. I strongly advise you to avoid it.

Kevin