Town Election is Tuesday, May 10: Polls open 8 to 8

The Annual Town Election takes place May 10 at the voting polls in Great Barrington and Housatonic. 

The polls are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Great Barrington Fire Department and Housatonic Community Center.

No contests appear on the ballot, but voters will find a ballot question seeking exemption from Proposition 2½ to cover the cost of a bond for improvements to Town Hall campus, the Claire Teague Senior Center parking lot and Ramsdell Library. The projects are also subject to approval at the June 6 Annual Town Meeting.

Several newcomers are seeking election to open seats on town boards and committees. 

For a look at this year’s sample ballot, it’s posted on the town website on the Town Clerk page. \

Newcomers seeking election include Carol J. McGlinchey and Ruby Chang, who are running for open seats as Library Trustees. Madonna Meagher and Milena Cerna are seeking election to  open positions on the town Finance Committee.

Selectboard incumbents Leigh Davis and Stephen  Bannon are seeking reelection to three-year terms. Others running for reelection include Town Moderator MIchael Wise; Planning Board members Jeremy K. Higa and Brandee K. Nelson; Zoning Board member Carolyn S. Ivory and Board of Health member Michael D. Lanoue and Library Trustee Lauren E. Clark.

Town residents unable to go to the polls on election day may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications can be found on the Town Clerk page at townofgb.org, or at the clerk’s office at Town Hall. 

Completed ballots can be returned to Town Hall by mail or in person. Absentee voting can also take place in person during business hours at the Town Clerk’s office, until May 9 at noon.

Absentee voting is reserved for voters who are out of town on election day, or who cannot physically go to a voting location, or for whom election day conflicts with a religious holiday or tradition.