Wellesley Approves Indigenous Peoples' Day: Election Results

WELLESLEY, MA — Preliminary results are in and about a quarter of eligible voters in Wellesley cast a ballot for Tuesday's town-wide election. New and familiar faces are joining the select board and housing authority and the town voted on the hotly contested issue of Indigenous Peoples' day.

The one ballot question read:

"Should the Select Board, with the understanding that since 1977 Indigenous people of our country have requested Indigenous Peoples Day as a recognition of their humanity, culture, and history and further, that our country was built on Native lands, proclaim the second Monday of October henceforth be commemorated as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and cease to recognize Columbus Day in Wellesley in recognition of the position of Indigenous Peoples as natives to these lands, and the suffering they faced during and after the European conquest? This question is not binding."

The town voted to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in place of Columbus Day, with the votes coming in at 2,255 Yes to 1,980 No. According to preliminary results, 358 people left the question blank.

The Committee for Indigenous Peoples' Day issued a statement following the announcement, praising the results and thanking voters. The statement read in part, "Your voice and your vote sent a clear message on election day, that the town of Wellesley stands in solidarity and support for Indigenous Peoples in our community and beyond."

The Committee to Preserve Wellesley’s Italian American Heritage, which rallied to defeat the question also issued a statement defending their stance and calling for support once more. The statement reads in part, "Close to two thousand voices spoke up in favor of unity, inclusion, and tolerance and should not be silenced. Send your letters and make your phone calls to the Select Board, asking them to honor the Town’s Tolerance Pledge."

In the contested Select Board race, incumbent Colette Aufranc was re-elected and Ann-Mara Lanza earned a seat on the Select Board as well. The two open Housing Authority seats were grabbed by Janice Coduri and Odessa Sanchez. Scott Bender earned his seat on the Board of Public Works.

The full preliminary results are available online.