Easton May Delay 2021 Town Elections

EASTON, MA—Easton may move town elections to a later date in 2021 due to ongoing concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

The town's bylaws state the annual town election be held the third Tuesday in April. However, a bylaw amendment passed at the special town meeting on Monday allows the Select Board to move the election date if it is "deemed prudent to do so".

"For example, if COVID-19 remains a public health concern in April of 2021, conducting an election on a Tuesday while school is in session while still providing sufficient spacing and distancing for staff, voters, and students could prove difficult," said Select Board member Thomas Brussard at the meeting.

According to the bylaw amendment, which will be sent to the Attorney General's Office for review and approval, the election date cannot be before April 15 or after April 30 and the board must take the vote at a public hearing by the end of the preceding year.

The Select Board is currently planning to hold a hearing on Monday, December 7.