Politics & Government
Andover Special Election Voter Guide: When, How To Vote
Residents will go to the polls Tuesday to decide on debt exclusions for pension obligation bonds and the West Elementary building project.
ANDOVER, MA — Andover residents go to the polls Tuesday for a second vote on two borrowing proposals approved at the annual town meeting.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What's on the ballot?
Voters will decide on two ballot questions related to Jan. 5 town meeting votes.
Find out what's happening in Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The text of the questions is available here on the election warrant.
Meeting attendees approved issuing of $146-175 million in pension obligation bonds to cover the town's unfunded retirement liability. The meeting also approved borrowing $114 million for a new Pre-K to Grade 5 school on the site of the current West Elementary School.
Find out what's happening in Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The two projects combine to form the "integrated financing plan" proposed by town officials.
Town officials estimate paying for the unfunded retirement liability through the bonds will save nearly $80 million over 18 years relative to the current funding schedule. They would only be issued if interest rates remain low.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has agreed to fund $38 million of the total $152 million West Elementary project cost.
The projects will both have a tax impact larger than is usually permitted under state law under Proposition 2½, so they require a majority vote in a special town election.
The ballot question summary, with arguments for and against each question, is available here.
Where do I vote?
Requests for mail-in ballots were due by June 9, but the polls will be open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Look up your voting precinct here.
Polling locations:
- Precincts 1 and 3: Youth Center on Whittier Court
- Precincts 2, 7, 7A, 8 and 9: Andover High School Field House on Shawsheen Road
- Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Wood Hill Middle School
More information on voting procedures, coronavirus precautions and more is available here.
Am I registered to vote?
Check your voter registration status here or by calling the Town Clerk's Office at 978-623-8230.
Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.