Absentee, Early Ballots Available For Natick's 2023 Town Election

NATICK, MA — Natick's annual town elections are just a few weeks away, and it's already time for some people to start their ballots.

Natick officials announced that absentee and early voting ballots are now available, and, in a corresponding move, Natick's Town Hall dropbox is open.

The town's vote-by-mail application can be found here, and completed applications can be dropped off at Town Hall or emailed to vote@natickma.org.

There will be voting by mail for this election but in-person early voting isn't available. Over-the-counter absentee voting is available, however.

Who's Running?

In Natick, there are a number of seats available on local government boards and committees, including the Select Board.

Every race has at least one candidate, except for the housing authority's three-year term. There is one candidate for the authority's five-year term, however.

Natick's annual town election is scheduled for March 28. Here's who filed nomination papers:

Select Board (Elect two for a three-year term)

• Kat Monahan
• Kristen Pope
• Richard Sidney (Incumbent)
• Roger Scott

School Committee (Elect two for a three-year term)

• Matthew Brand
• Kate Flathers
• Leigh Preston Hallisey
• Donna McKenzie (Incumbent)

Planning Board (Elect one for a five-year term)

• Teresa Evans (Incumbent)

Natick Housing Authority (Elect one for a five-year term)

• David Ciminelli

Morse Institute Library (Elect five for a five-year term)

• Kathleen Donovan (Incumbent)
• Carol Gloff (Incumbent)
• Gerald Mazor (Incumbent)
• Sally McCoubrey (Incumbent)
• Thomas Hourihan
• Anna McMahan

Recreation and Parks Commission (Elect two for a three-year term)

• Barbara Fahey Sanchez (Incumbent)

Board of Health (Elect one for a three-year term)

• Karla Hope Sangrey (Incumbent)

Board of Assessors (Elect one for a three-year term)

• Wendy J. Curran-Elassy

Ballot Question

Natick has one ballot question in the March 28 elections, and it will determine whether the position will move from an elected one to an appointed one.

The question reads: "Shall the Town approve the Charter Amendment proposed by a vote of the Natick 2022 Fall Annual Town Meeting under Article 16..."

If voters choose the "Yes" option, then the town charter will need to be altered to reflect these changes. The town has included the proposed new language for this potential move, which gives voters a look into powers, duties and qualifications of the clerk.

If moved to an appointed position, the clerk would be appointed by the town administrator for a term of three years. This process could include a screening committee for appointments, but that would need to be established by a bylaw.

Should the position be vacated by any means, the town administrator would also then have the power to appoint a temporary town clerk until another is appointed.

The job duties would largely remain the same, with the clerk being responsible for keeping vital statistics, administering oaths of office, issuing licenses and permits and conducting elections.

To view the full ballot question, click here.