Welcome to the “Well Informed Voter Calendar.” This is a month-by-month guide to key dates, resources for voters and processes for 2018 and 2019 including:
- Town meeting
- Town election
- Primary Elections
- General Elections
The calendar also suggests opportunities for citizens to get more involved in Town government.
The Well Informed Voter Calendar appears below and includes many helpful embedded links which are in red. You can also download the Well Informed Voter Calendar as a 3-page PDF document.
DATE/EVENT |
LOCATION/TIME |
OTHER DETAILS |
September 2018 |
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• 9/4: State Primary Election. (No early voting for primary.) |
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If unsure of your election precinct, follow link under “Precincts & Voting Locations” on web page of Hingham Town Clerk at www.hingham-ma.gov |
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• This month, the Hingham Advisory Committee begins its review of Warrant articles for 2019 Town meeting. |
Town Hall/Tuesday evenings as posted: All Advisory Committee meetings are open public meetings. The Committee meets with increasing (weekly) frequency from December through Town Meeting. |
The Advisory Committee consists of 15 Town residents, appointed by Town Moderator to staggered terms of 3 years each. Each member serves no more than 2 terms. The Advisory Committee functions as finance committee for the town. Agenda/Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings posted at www.hingham-ma.gov. |
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• 9/25: National Voter Registration Day—If you’ve moved, update your registration. |
Online: www.sec.state.ma.us or in person at Town Clerk’s office. Deadline is 20 days prior to election. |
In MA, 16 and 17-year old’s can now pre-register, so they will be on the voting rolls and ready-to-vote at 18. |
October 2018 |
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• Massachusetts Information for Voters (“Red Book”) mailed to all households |
This helpful guide prepared by Sec of State’s office includes full text of ballot questions. |
PDF and audio versions will be posted at www.sec.state.ma.us. |
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• Get familiar with the candidates for the many positions on the November ballot |
LWV MA 2018 Voters’ Guide posted at: my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham “View My Ballot” @ www.sec.state.ma.us |
TBD: LWV Hingham may host a Candidates’ Night at Town Hall—if candidates’ calendars permit. |
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• Review the 3 ballot questions ahead of the November election. |
In addition to Red Book, a non-party affiliated website that can inform you about ballot measures is: www.ballotpedia.org |
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• 10/22: Early Voting Hours begin for the November election |
Early voting at Town Hall begins 10/22 and ends 11/2. Town Clerk is considering extended hours. (TBD as of late summer.) |
Early Voting for State and National Elections was initiated in MA in 2016, based on a comprehensive election reform package supported by the LWV-MA and passed by the legislature in 2014. |
November 2018 |
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11/6: ELECTION DAY |
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In 2018, Voters in MA will choose: one US Senator; US Representatives; Governor and Lieutenant Governor; as well as the MA Attorney General; Treasurer; Auditor; Governor’s Council; State Senator and State Representatives. Also on the ballot are: County Commissioners; District Attorney; Register of Deeds; Clerk of Courts. In 2018 we also will vote on 3 ballot questions. |
December 2018 |
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• By 12/1: Proposed 2019 Town warrant articles seeking a change in zoning code must be submitted first to Hingham Planning Board |
The Hingham Planning Board meets at Town Hall, generally 3-4 times/month. Meeting dates are posted at www.Hingham-ma.com |
Planning Board review of such warrant articles is a statutory requirement: MA General Law Part 1 Title VII Chapter 40A Section 5. |
January 2019 |
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• Hingham Planning Board holds public hearings on proposed warrant articles seeking changes in zoning code |
The Hingham Planning Board meets at Town Hall, generally 3-4 times/month. Meeting dates are posted at www.Hingham-ma.com |
Establishment of municipal planning boards is authorized by Massachusetts General Law, chapter 41, section 81A. Planning Board forms and documents, as well as meeting agendas and minutes, are available at Planning Board tab under “General Administration” menu at www.hingham-ma.org |
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• Nomination papers available for those seeking to run for a Town Elected Office |
Nomination papers available at Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours |
50 signatures of Hingham residents required. Papers must be returned 49 days prior to the April 28th Town election |
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• 1/22: Cut-off for submission of Town Warrant articles |
www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham -- click on Town Meeting tab, where you will find instructions for submissions. |
A guide to “How to Submit a Citizen Petition for Town Meeting” also available at: www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham |
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• Respond to annual Town Census (mailed in early-mid January) |
You will receive a request to update your household data |
Town census data helps the Town Clerk to keep voting roles up-to-date; it is used by the School Committee for planning; and more. |
February 2019 |
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• 2/27: Warrant Review |
Town Hall, North Hearing Room/ 7 to 9 PM |
Open to Public; Sponsored by LWV-Hingham; Warrant Review will be recorded by Harbor Media and posted at: www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham |
March 2019 |
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• REGISTER TO VOTE ahead of April Town Meeting and Town Election |
The Hingham Town Clerk’s Office accepts voter registration over-the-counter, by mail, or electronically. |
Unregistered, new to town or need to update your registration? Deadline is 20 days prior to Town Meeting. To register online, go to: www.registertovotema.com |
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• Apply for Absentee Ballot (no later than noon 4-26) if you will be away on pril 27th |
You can apply for AND cast your absentee ballot in person at Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall during normal business hours. |
Secretary of the Commonwealth maintains a web page with instructions, forms and deadlines to submit an absentee ballot: www.sec.state.ma.us Click on: “Elections and Voting” |
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• Consider becoming an election officer for this year’s elections |
Call Town Clerk at 781-741-1410 or stop by the Town Clerk’s office |
The Town looks for volunteers to serve at polling places as Election Officers. Training is provided by the Town Clerk’s office. |
April 2019 |
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• 4/10: Candidates Night-Meet the Candidates |
Town Hall, 2nd Floor, Central Meeting Room/ 7 – 9 PM |
Open to the Public: Useful one-stop preparation for April Town Election; Sponsored by LWV-Hingham; Will be recorded by Harbor Media and posted on: www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham |
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• Apply for Absentee Ballot if you will be away on April 27th |
You can apply for AND cast your absentee ballot in person at Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall |
Secretary of the Commonwealth maintains a web page with instructions, forms and deadlines to submit an absentee ballot. www.sec.state.ma.us Click on: “Elections and Voting” |
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• 4/22: Town Meeting |
Hingham High School—Please check in by 6:30 PM for prompt start at 7 PM |
Town Meeting is true democracy in action! For a Guide to Open Town Meeting go to: www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham |
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• 4/23: Fill Out Talent Bank Application Form to Volunteer to Serve on a Town Committee |
Pick up an application at Town Meeting or apply online using Talent Bank Application available at www.hingham-ma.com. |
For a list of the many town committees staffed by citizen volunteers go to www.hingham-ma.gov and click on Government tab |
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• 4/27: Town Election |
Precinct 1-4: High School; Precinct 5-6: Middle School; Precinct 5A: Willard Square, 201 Linden Ponds Way/7 AM- 8 PM |
For Town Elections, there is no Early Voting Period. If unsure of your election precinct, follow link under “Precincts & Voting Locations” on web page of Town Clerk at www.hingham-ma.gov |
May/June 2019 |
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• Register to vote ahead of September Primary |
The Town Clerk’s Office in Hingham Town Hall accepts voter registration over-the-counter, by mail, or electronically. |
Deadline to register is 20 days ahead of election. To register online, go to: www.sec.state.ma.us (or follow link on Town Clerk page at www.Hingham-ma.gov) |
July 2019 |
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• 7/4: Independence Day Parade |
Main Street/Downtown Hingham |
Celebrate our Republic!! (Yes—we are a republic. In the US we generally elect representatives, and decide policy on an indirect basis, consistent with a republic. Hingham Open Town meeting is an exception—true democracy in action.) |
August 2019 |
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• Consider joining the League of Women Voters of Hingham |
More information about the LWV of Hingham and how to join is at: www.my.lwv.org/massachusetts/hingham |
Men are welcome, and for those under 18, associate membership in LWV of Hingham is available. |
