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F <br /> COVID-19 ELECTION FAQS <br /> Q. Can I postpone my municipal election? <br /> A. Yes. Any annual or special municipal election scheduled to be held on or before May <br /> 30h can be postponed to a date no later than June 39�h. <br /> Q. How do I postpone my election? <br /> A. Under the never law, the select board, town council or board of registrars may vote to <br /> postpone your election. Please note that the vote must occur at a meeting held in <br /> accordance with the Open Meeting Law, which has been modified in light of the COVID-- <br /> 1 9 State of Emergency Declaration by the Governor. <br /> Q. Do we need to choose the new date right now? <br /> A. No. You can vote to postpone the election now and then choose the new date at a' <br /> later time. The vote on the new date can only be taken by the select board or town <br /> council and only after consultation with the local election official and chief operating <br /> officer of the municipality as to logistics and feasibility. Further, the vote to reschedule <br /> must be done no later than 29 days before the new election date. <br /> Q. How do I postpone my town meeting? <br /> A. Town meeting postponements are covered under different laws — sections 9 or 1 OA <br /> of chapter 39 of the General Laws, or by continuing a town meeting by less than a <br /> quorum meeting only to continue the meeting to a new time, date and place. For a <br /> meeting that has already been pasted, G.L. c.39, section 1 DA allows a moderator to <br /> move or postpone a town meeting for up to 39 days in the case of a public safety <br /> emergency. The Governor has pending legislation on moving town meetings and <br /> lowering quorums. We will update you if that legislation is passed. <br /> Q. If I move my election, do I have to post a new warrant? <br /> A. Maybe. if you are only changing the date of the election and the select board has <br /> already approved the warrant, you do not need to post a new one. Until a new election <br /> date is sent, you can just write "POSTPONED" on the original warrant. Once the new <br /> date is set, write that new date on the warrant with the date of the vote. If the select <br /> board vote to change any polling places (which has to be 20 days before the election) or <br /> to modify the polling hours for the new election, you will need a new warrant. If the <br /> select board has not already approved a warrant for your original election date, you will <br /> need a new warrant with the new election date. <br /> Q. What notice do I have to provide about the new election date? <br /> A. You need to past a copy of the law, the vote of the select board, and a sample ballot <br /> to your website (if you have one) at least 29 days before the new date of the election. <br /> Notice of the election may also be provided by reverse 91 call, press release, local <br /> cable tv ads, etc. <br /> Q. Will terms expire before.the new election is held? <br /> 1 <br />