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Norfolk/Wrentham - Local Town Pages

No Contested Seats in Norfolk’s May 3 Town Election

May 01, 2022 04:14PM ● By Chuck Tashjian

A sample ballot for Norfolk’s annual town election, scheduled for May 3 at the Freeman Kennedy School

By Grace Allen
Norfolk voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 3 to elect municipal officials. And while there are no contested races, Town Clerk Carol Greene is urging residents to show up and vote.
On the ballot are Carolyn C. Van Tine for a three-year term on the Select Board; Deborah J. Robbins for a three-year term on the Board of Assessors; Mark E. Flaherty for a three-year term as Constable; Elizabeth A. Gebhard for a three-year Board of Health seat; Kenneth W. Nelson for a three-year term as Library Trustee; Jason Talerman for a three-year stint as Moderator; Lisa J. Sheldon for a three-year seat on the Norfolk School Committee; Gary W. Sullivan II for a three-year term on the Planning Board; and Jill E. Hindley-Lawrence for a three-year seat on the Recreation Commission. 
Town Clerk Greene commented on the importance of voting in every election, noting the right to vote is an important part of a democracy.
“Even in an uncontested race you have the option to vote for a given candidate, write in someone of your own choosing, or leave that particular race blank if you are against that candidate,” she explained. “A big enough group of people that band together on a write-in can change an election, especially in a low turnout race.”
Greene noted that last year the town election had an abysmal 3.76% voter turnout, which was 275 voters out of a possible 7,304. Choosing not to vote fosters an apathy that has become all too prevalent, she believes.
“People rush out to vote for a president or governor, but those are the races that you have the least control over,” she said. “Local elections are where you live, where you raise a family, and where day-to-day happenings are the most important to you. These candidates are people from your community, friends and neighbors who volunteer their time to serve you, the residents.”

Greene added, “So show up, use your voice, and vote. Don’t send the message that these volunteers aren’t worth your time, effort, or energy. They deserve better than that.”
Polls will be open on May 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Freeman Kennedy School on Boardman Street.
At press time, COVID restrictions, such as the mask mandate, had been lifted in town but residents should feel free to wear masks if they prefer, said Greene.