Most voters see an election as beginning when they cast their ballot and ending when the results are announced. But behind the scenes, local election officials have a number of steps to complete before the next election can take shape.
In Charlestown, some of that work will begin just one day after Wednesday's statewide primary.
The Charlestown Board of Canvassers will hold a special meeting Thursday, September 10, at 10 a.m. at Charlestown Town Hall. One of the meeting's main items is a lottery to determine the order in which party and independent candidates for local office will appear on the November 3 General Election ballot.
It is a procedural part of the election process that many voters may never see, but the outcome will determine how local candidates are arranged on the November ballot.
The ballot-placement lottery is only one item on Thursday's agenda.
The Board of Canvassers is also scheduled to discuss and potentially take action on certifying the names of all qualified candidates for each local office that will appear on the November ballot.
The board will also consider certification of mail-ballot applications for the November 3 general election.
And, following Wednesday's primary, the board is scheduled to tabulate the returns from the September 9 statewide primary within the Town of Charlestown.
Taken together, Thursday's agenda provides a look at some of the work that takes place between elections and helps prepare the town for the next one.
The campaign signs, candidate forums and Election Day voting are the most visible parts of an election. The administrative work surrounding those events receives considerably less attention.
Thursday's meeting offers a glimpse into that process at the local level.
The Board of Canvassers will be meeting in person in the Town Council Chambers at Charlestown Town Hall, 4540 South County Trail. The public is welcome to attend.
The town will provide a livestream of the meeting, although the agenda notes that public comments will not be accepted virtually. Written testimony may be submitted in advance to the Town Clerk's Office.
The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, September 10.
For Charlestown residents, it will be an opportunity to see what happens after the votes are cast and as the town moves toward the November general election.
When: Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Where: Charlestown Town Hall, Council Chambers, 4540 South County Trail
Purpose: Among other items, ballot-placement lottery, candidate certification, mail-ballot certification and tabulation of Charlestown's September 9 primary returns.
Public: Welcome to attend in person.
Online: A livestream will be available, but virtual public comments will not be accepted.
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