Elections

VOTING BY MAIL

Massachusetts voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required. A Vote by Mail application form is available at:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Vote-by-Mail-Paper-Application-2022.pdf. 

The completed and signed application may be submitted by mail, in person to the Town Clerk’s office during business hours, or via the drop box behind the police station by the application deadline. Mailed applications must be received by the deadline, so applying at least a week before the deadline is recommended.

Voters who requested Vote by Mail ballots for both the Primary and State Elections will be receiving their ballots by early to mid-October.

The Vote by Mail application deadline for the November 8, 2022 election is:

  • Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5pm (for the November 8th election)

In addition to no-excuse early voting by mail, Massachusetts also has absentee voting for those who qualify. While Vote by Mail ballots are more common, there are special circumstances where you need to apply for an Absentee Ballot instead. For absentee voting, submit a Ballot Application or any signed request for a ballot to the Town Clerk's Office by mail, the Town Hall drop box, or by emailing a scan or photo of the signed form.

Details about Voting by Mail application deadlines and other information, as well as information on absentee ballot eligibility, are available at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleabsentee/absidx.htm

The Town Clerk mails information in February to voters to confirm precincts and polling locations and provide any updates on Vote by Mail options.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Look up your voter registration status especially if you recently moved or changed your registration from one community to another. You are only eligible to vote in the community where you are currently registered.

There is a detailed explanation of the registration process on the State website.

The Voter Registration deadline for the November 8, 2022 election is:

  • Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 5:00pm (in-person/Town Hall registration)
  • Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:59pm (online registration)
  • This also the last day to update your address and change your name or party

If you have a Massachusetts driver’s license, you can register online through the Secretary of State website at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. You can also print the voter registration form and submit the completed and signed form to the South Hadley Town Clerk’s office by mail or in person during business hours, via the Town Hall drop box behind the Police Station, or email a scan or photo of your form to: sgmeiner@southhadleyma.gov. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by October 29.

VOTE IN PERSON: Early Voting and Election Day

Early Voting in South Hadley is held in the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall, 116 Main Street. On Election Day, all precincts vote at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street (Route 116). 

Early Voting at Town Hall for the November 8, 2022 election (no Sunday hours):

  • Saturday, October 22, 2022, 11:00am to 5:00pm 
  • Monday, October 24 through Friday, October 27, 2022, 8:30am to 3:30pm
  • Saturday, October 29, 2022, 9:00am to 3:00pm 
  • Monday, October 31 through Friday, November 4, 2022, 8:30am to 3:30pm

Election Day voting hours at South Hadley High School on November 8, 2022:

  • Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 7:00am to 8:00pm 


WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT IN THE NOVEMBER 8 ELECTION?

South Hadley voters will have ballots for two elections. One ballot is for the Massachusetts State Election, and one ballot is for a local special election. Residents requesting vote-by-mail ballots will receive both ballots, with separate return envelopes, as the two ballots must be returned separately. (Sample ballots for both elections will be posted online when available).

The local special election will elect one candidate to fill a vacancy on the South Hadley Selectboard following the death of member Sarah Etelman earlier this year. The person elected will serve the remainder of that term until the Town Election in April, 2023 when a member will be elected for a full term. 

The Massachusetts State Election will elect candidates for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, State Auditor, Representative in Congress, Governor’s Councilor, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, and Sheriff. There will also be four statewide ballot questions.

Click on each statewide ballot QUESTION for details about the proposal:

  • QUESTION 1: Proposed Amendment to the Constitution
    Additional Tax on Income Over One Million Dollars
  • QUESTION 2: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition
    Regulation of Dental Insurance
  • QUESTION 3: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition
    Expanded Availability of Licenses for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
  • QUESTION 4: Referendum Petition
    Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses
    As this petition was submitted after the July 2022 deadline, Question 4 does not appear in the printed voter guide mailed to households, but will be on the November 8 ballot.

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