Milford Coronavirus: 9 Cases In Town, Election Postponed

MILFORD, MA — Like many towns across Massachusetts, Milford will postpone the spring election due to the new coronavirus.

The Board of Selectmen voted to postpone the election, set for April 7, on Monday night. The new election date is set for June 16, according to the town clerk's office. Other towns including Natick, Wayland, and Sudbury have also postponed, but some have not picked new election dates.

Meanwhile, the Board of Health is reporting that the coronavirus case count in Milford has reached nine. That's up from the six reported before the weekend. The total case count across Massachusetts reached 6,620 on Tuesday.

Elections could put people at risk of contracting COVID-19 because it requires people to gather in lines and groups. Under social distancing guidelines, people are supposed to stand 6 feet apart, and Gov. Charlie Baker has banned gatherings of more than 25 people.

Milford voters will eventually go to the polls to pick candidates in 18 races — although a majority are uncontested. There will also be a ballot question about payments for health insurance for surviving spouses of former town employees. Some of the more important races include contested seats on the School Committee and Board of Selectmen.