More than 800 signatures already. On the way to 2,000!

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Why change the date of local elections from April to November?

The purpose of moving elections to November is to increase voter turnout by aligning local elections with state and federal elections.Historically, Canton’s voter participation in local elections ranges from 17-24% of registered voters. (Turnout was higher in 2024, likely because of the highly unusual and charged circumstances of 2024). Canton’s recent voter participation in state elections is about 60%, and voter participation in presidential years is about 80%. There are currently about 18,500 registered voters in Canton.We believe that most voters who participate in state and federal elections (through early voting, mail-in voting, or election day voting) will also ask for a local ballot, significantly increasing the number of voters who participate and support our local government.Larger voter turnout means that the candidates elected will be the choice of a larger group of voters, more widely representative of the entire community. Over time, more voter engagement will likely translate into greater understanding, appreciation of, and participation in elected, appointed, and volunteer service to the community.

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Why do most Massachusetts towns hold their local elections in the spring?

A very old Massachusetts law established this practice due to the autumn harvests of what were largely farming towns, which made holding November elections impractical. That was not the case with Massachusetts cities, which hold their local elections in November. We believe this distinction is no longer relevant and unfortunately depresses voter turnout. Some Massachusetts towns have already moved their local elections to November.

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What is a “dual ballot” election?

Canton holds elections annually for its municipal offices. State and federal elections are held every two, four, and six years depending on the office, but always on even numbered years.If Canton were to adopt this change, there would be no difference between the ballot voters historically received in April and the one voters receive in November during odd years. During even years, voters who wished to vote for local, federal and/or state candidates would receive two ballots (one with local candidates, and another with state and federal candidates). These are called dual ballot elections.

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Have “dual ballot” elections been held successfully in Massachusetts towns?

Yes.There have been successful dual ballot elections in numerous Massachusetts towns, for different reasons, although none that we know of for combining local elections with state and federal elections in November.With good organization and planning, and modest additional part-time/seasonal resources to assist our Town Clerk’s office (for example, partially processing mail-in ballots in advance of Election Day), we are confident in the ability to run a successful dual ballot election every other year.

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Are there additional benefits to Canton of larger voter turnout?

Yes, data shows that larger voter turnout means that the candidates elected will be the choice of a larger group of voters, more widely representative of the entire community.And it is believed that more voter engagement will, over time, translate into greater understanding, appreciation of, and participation in elected, appointed, and volunteer service to the community.

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Has the effect of election timing on voter turnout been studied?

Yes. Exhaustively. Research has focused on many cities and towns of varying populations, with different local government structures, throughout the United States.As examples, check out the following links:- National Civic League: Increasing Voter Turnout in Local Elections- U.S. Vote Foundation: How to Boost Local Election Turnout- Public Policy Institute of California: Turnout, Timing, and Competition of Municipal Elections in California- Common Cause: How Moving Elections to Even Years Increased Voter Participation in Local Elections- Northeastern University: Municipal Institutions, Electoral System Design, and Voter Turnout in Large American Cities- Manhattan Institute: Declining Turnout in Big-City Elections- Illinois Wesleyan University: Mayoral Election Turnout in Midsize American Cities

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Will combining elections in November save Canton money?

Not necessarily. When there are federal and state elections in November, eliminating local April elections in favor of combining them all in November could eliminate some duplication of expenses (for example, police details and poll workers). But other expenses would increase as a result of greater voter participation in November’s local elections (for example, ballot related costs).This recommended change is not driven principally to save money; rather, it aims to improve the democratic process through increased voter participation and engagement.

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How may voters add a question to their municipal ballot?

There are two ways Massachusetts law provides for addition of a non-binding advisory question on the ballot of a municipal election.Upon petition of 10 registered voters, the Select Board may approve the addition of the question on the ballot. Alternatively, if the Select Board denies approval or fails to act, then upon timely petition of 10% of the municipality’s registered voters, the question must be added to the ballot for the town’s next townwide election.In this case, that would mean collecting approximately 1,850 signatures on a petition for a ballot initiative as part of the April 2025 election, to advise the Select Board what Canton voters want.

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What's the result of a positive vote on April 8, 2025?

A ballot question (just like the previously proposed Town Meeting article) is technically advisory to the Select Board. But its results would express the clear will of voters and hopefully persuade the Select Board to file a “home rule” petition with the State legislature for Canton to be allowed to make the change in local elections.

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Does the ballot question differ from the 2023 STM article?

If the petitioners succeed in putting the question on the ballot, voters will have the opportunity to express their desire that the timing of local elections be changed. The will of the voters as expressed is advisory and non-binding on the Select Board.The similarly worded warrant article considered by the November 2023 Special Town Meeting (STM), which did not pass, would strictly speaking, also have been non-binding on the Select Board.Canton Residents to Move the Vote believe that the combined circumstances of the Special Town Meeting vote, including the communication and IT challenges of the high school venue, parking challenges, very late hour, confusion, early departures and contentiousness of other unrelated votes, resulted in a vote that did not express the will of Canton voters on this issue.The ballot question would likely be voted on by many more thousands of voters, and on a secret ballot.

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If approved at the ballot box, does it return to Town Meeting?

Yes.If the ballot question garners a majority vote, the Select Board will hopefully be persuaded to follow the clear will of the voters and submit a “home rule” petition to the Massachusetts legislature to enable the change to Canton’s bylaw. Such a home rule petition must be authorized by Town Meeting.

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How do I sign the petition or volunteer to help?

Reach out today to express willingness to sign the petition or help collect signatures to add a ballot question to Canton’s upcoming municipal election in April 2025, to move the vote!There will be opportunities to sign at public locations and public events, or at private locations (for example, designated outdoor areas at several Canton residences). Stay tuned to this site for details about opportunities to sign at public spaces or events.You can also download and share the below video on Facebook or other social media platforms to spread awareness for Canton's Move the Vote campaign!

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