Just mere days away, the Nov. 5 election is coming up and this year is anticipated to bring high volume to the booths. Town officials and police are gearing up for the large number of people ready to put their opinions to the papers.
Town police have begun taking precautionary measures by adding extra staff for both the morning and evening. Though there is no active threat of safety regarding the election despite the high volume.
The police chief Dennis King has also mentioned the concern for extremists. He is aware that they do exist and that the police department and officials are not naive.
The police will also be enforcing the 150-foot law at all locations. This law prohibits all “electioneering, campaigning, and specific other political activities within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a polling place on Election Day” according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Regarding the safety at the voting locations, town clerk Robin Michaud mentioned the town always takes precautions for election day. She did not go into any further details.
Michaud is responsible for hiring the poll workers for each voting location throughout the area. These poll workers help with checking in voters, distributing ballots, tallying votes, and generally assisting people in the polling place.
It is no surprise that Michaud has mentioned there is a rise in interest for working in this year’s election. The captivating parties and statewide questions bring about high emotions.
In Marblehead specifically, poll workers make $55 for a half day of work and $110 for a full day of work. Those working the polls can make some extra income and be a part of a historic election.
One Marblehead resident in particular has been working elections for the past two years. They mention volunteering forever and wanting to continue being as involved as possible. The resident continues to say that they have no fear working this election as Marblehead is not as divided as other parts of the country can be. The people are usually more grateful for the workers and thankful for their time.
Contrasting poll workers, there are poll watchers (in Massachusetts, poll “observers”) who will keep watch on voting from outside the guardrail. Though there may not be a physical barricade, locations considered inside the guardrail include check-in and check-out tables, the voting booths, and the ballot boxes.
Information regarding early voting and election day are as follows. Early voting will run on Wednesday Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m and Friday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to noon. All mail in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5. All in-person ballot returns must be in by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Election day voting will begin Tuesday Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.