All Of Melrose Might Be Voting At Just 1 Location

MELROSE, MA — City officials want to consolidate all voting for this year's two elections to one location to keep people healthy during what could be a fall wave of COVID-19.

The City Council on Wednesday night will hear a request by the Board of Registrars of Voters and the City Clerk's office to approve the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School gymnasium as the only polling place in the city. The temporary approval would be for the Sept. 1 state primary and the Nov. 3 general election.

"These changes are being made in an effort to support the health and safety of residents, voters, and elections staff during the Covid-19 pandemic," City Clerk Amy Kamosa said in a letter to Mayor Paul Brodeur.

Related: Melrose Elections Will Look Much Different This Year

All seven of the city's wards would vote at the gym, which was picked for its ample parking and space for social distancing. It also has a separate entrance from the rest of the school and is able to be closed off to the rest of the building.

The city has already seen some poll workers withdraw from the fall elections, citing health concerns. Having one location would lessen the need for as many poll workers.

More than 10,000 ballots were cast during last fall's citywide elections.

State lawmakers are working on bills that would allow for every registered voter to participate in expanded early voting or mail in their ballots, in addition to showing up to the polls in person.

Even though the pandemic appears to be on the downswing in Massachusetts, many experts are expecting a second wave in the fall; Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday the state is preparing as if there will be.