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Elections

The League Presents: Vote Yes on Question 2 and support Ranked Choice Voting

The League of Women of Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) and the League of Women Voters, Newton (LWVN) support and urge a YES vote on Question 2 Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for primary and general elections for state executive officials, state legislators, federal congressional representatives, and certain county offices.

RCV is a voting method in which voters rank candidates according to their preferences.  The LWVN thought it was important for us to provide our members and Newton Voters more information about RCV.  In our latest The League Presents…,  Marcia Johnson discussed Ranked Choice Voting with Susan Millinger, LWVMA Board of Directors and LWV Amherst Steering Committee member about RCV and covered the following topics:

History and Benefits of RCV:

  1. The key differences between RCV and Plurality system
  2. The reasons as to why the League supports this ballot question.
  3. The mechanics of how this works and what it takes for a candidate to win.
  4. The challenges and potential drawbacks to RCV.

For more information, please refer to the Secretary of State’s Office.

How to Vote by Mail

If you requested a mail-in ballot, it should be arriving soon!  You can mark and return your ballot as soon as it’s received.  Your vote by mail package will include your ballot, a yellow ballot envelope, a white return envelope, and detailed instructions.  Please read the instructions, but here’s the gist of what to do:

How to vote by mail infographic
Click to enlarge

Vote your Ballot

  • Fill in the oval for your candidates
  • Votes both sides of your ballot

Place your ballot in the yellow envelope

  • SEAL the yellow envelope
  • SIGN your name on the signature line
  • PRINT your  name and address on the lines below your signature

Return your ballot in the white envelope

  • PLACE yellow envelope in the white return envelope
  • SEAL the white envelope
  • RETURN by mail or in person using the drop boxes at City Hall

Note:  If you need assistance because of disability or inability to read your ballot, you may choose any person to help you.  The assisting person should then read and complete the appropriate section on the yellow ballot envelope.

Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6 or deposited in the drop boxes at City Hall by 8pm on Nov. 3.  It is strongly encouraged to mail ballots no later than October 27.

Learn About Massachusetts Election Reform

State Senator Cindy Creem invites YOU!

Through a discussion with City Clerk Olson, State Senator Creem, and State Senator Finegold, you will learn about the impact of the new election reform law on the September & November elections.

PLEASE…use the following link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kd-ugpzsoGtHKULZt1Oss2zaM5DX8HMhz

Important Reminder: Vote by Mail Application

Registered voters should be getting their application to vote by mail in the Sept. 1 primary early next week in their mailbox. The mailed application from the Secretary of State’s office will be personalized to each voter with a barcode which can easily be scanned by the Newton City Clerk staff.

Once you receive your mail-in ballot application, you will have to (1) complete the application and (2) return it to the Newton City Clerk’s Office.

There are 3 ways to return the completed application, but the first two are preferred because of the barcode:

  • Mail it to the City of Newton Clerk’s Office (1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459) 
  • Place in the white drop box in front of City Hall
  • Scan and e-mail it to elections@newtonma.gov

Notably, applications for mail-in ballots must have a signature. (Applications with typed signatures will not be accepted.)

Source: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s July 15th Update

Important Reminder: Vote by Mail Application

Registered voters should be getting their application to vote by mail in the Sept. 1 primary early next week in their mailbox. The mailed application from the Secretary of State’s office will be personalized to each voter with a barcode which can easily be scanned by the Newton City Clerk staff.

Once you receive your mail-in ballot application, you will have to (1) complete the application and (2) return it to the Newton City Clerk’s Office.

There are 3 ways to return the completed application, but the first two are preferred because of the barcode:

  • Mail it to the City of Newton Clerk’s Office (1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459) 
  • Place in the white drop box in front of City Hall
  • Scan and e-mail it to elections@newtonma.gov

Notably, applications for mail-in ballots must have a signature. (Applications with typed signatures will not be accepted.)

Source: Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s July 15th Update

Volunteer Opportunity – Celebration of the Adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Dear Members,

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

In preparation for this important day this summer, the Board is looking for members who have an interest in history, excitement for this important achievement for women, time and energy to help plan event(s).

If you are interested, please send an email to info@lwvnewton.org and let us know how you would like to be involved.

Sincerely,

Marcia Johnson