Braintree Special Election 2020: Voter Guide

BRAINTREE, MA — On Saturday, Braintree voters will hit the polls to decide whether to increase property taxes to pay for a new South Middle School and other school projects.

The four ballot questions seek approval for a $63 million debt exclusion that will temporarily increase residential and commercial taxes for the next 30 years. Mayor Charles Kokoros said voting yes to the questions would increase the average single-family homeowner's bill $171 per year for the first five years.

After the first five years, the added bill is expected to decrease over time. Here's the breakdown of the tax increases:

• Years 1-5: $170.99
• Years 6-10: $155.91
• Years 11-20: 150.88
• Years 20-30: $130.78

What does voting yes on each question do?

1. A yes vote on question one means a new South Middle School will be built and the town will receive $31 million in state funding from the Massachusetts School Building authority towards the project. A no vote means that the town will not receive the $31 million in state funding and a new South Middle School will not be built.
2. If you vote yes on question two, roofs will be replaced at the Flaherty, Morrison, Hollis, Liberty, Highlands and Monatiquot schools. A no vote means funding will not be provided for the roof replacements.
3. If you vote yes on question three, a feasibility study will be completed for the future redevelopment of Braintree High School. A no vote means funding will not be provided for a feasibility study.
4. If you vote yes on question four security enhancements at all schools will be implemented based on a district wide security assessment. A no vote means funding will not be provided for security enhancements.

Where is my polling location?

The polls on election day will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling locations will be the same as those used in the state primary, held earlier this month.

If you are a registered voter in District 1A, 1B, 2A or 2B, and you previously voted at 74 Pond Street (the former Marge Crispin Center), Flaherty School, Hollis School or St. Thomas Moore Church, your voting location is the Braintree High School Gymnasium, at 128 Town St.

If you are a registered voter in District 3A, 3B, 4A or 4B, and you previously voted at Ross School, the Braintree Yacht Club, Elder Affairs or Morrison School, your voting location is the East Middle School Gymnasium, at 305 River St.

If you are a registered voter in District 5A, 5B, 6A or 6B, and you previously voted at Town Hall, Liberty School, South Middle School or Highlands School, your voting location is the South Middle School Gymnasium, at 232 Peach St.

Where can I find the results on election night?

Patch will provide live results on election nights. Subscribe to Braintree Patch for election results and more local news.