The Natick Select Board this week is being asked at its Wednesday night meeting to call for a special election later this year solely to allow voters to choose an Associate Planning Board member after the position was inadvertently left off the ballot already sent to more than 4,000 people opting to mail in their votes.
In a memo to the Select Board issued by Town Administrator Jamie Errickson, Town Clerk Lynn Kelly, and Town Counsel Karis North, they wrote: “There is a single position available, for a five year term. The position was appropriately listed as being available on the Town website, but no nomination papers were turned in. Because there is no listing for the position on the ballot, there is no ability to accept write-in candidates for the position…”
The Select Board may appoint people to fill positions when no one is elected, but state law requires all offices for election to appear on the ballot.
The Associate Planning Board member serves the role of backing up members of the Planning Board due to conflicts, absences, etc. Planning Board Chair Glen Glater was once an associate member of the board, which serves a crucial role in short- and long-term land use in town, including proposed housing and other developments.
Incumbent Planning Board member Peter Nottonson is running unopposed to retain his seat on the Board.
The Select Board is being asked to make a decision and notify voters before the March 26 election “to minimize confusion and any impact on the outcome of that election.”
Whether the special election will inspire anyone to submit nomination papers remains to be seen, but the acceptance of new papers must be part of the process. The time frame for such an election requires at least 60 days for the process. The Select Board is being asked to forego mail-in ballots this time around.
We’ve made an inquiry to the town about how much the separate election will cost.
Update (3/20/24): This issue was raised at the March 20 Select Board meeting (about 12 minutes into recording), and discussion will continue about whether a Special Election will be held perhaps in June or whether the election will be bundled with a Primary election in the September time frame.
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