FALMOUTH – The debate over reinstating voting to elementary schools in Falmouth is ongoing, and a new task force has been assembled to examine the matter.
Some residents want to return to voting at the schools, arguing it will increase voter turnout. Others are opposed, saying it will present safety concerns.
Voters at the Fall Annual Town Meeting asked for voting to be returned to schools, sparking a community discussion on the matter.
“Based on the way the question is posed at a meeting, at a town meeting, it’s a yes or no vote. The yes or no vote really limits the ability to look at third alternatives. I’m hopeful the task force will be able to find reasonable polling locations throughout the town,” said State Representative and Town Moderator David Vieira, who recently led a forum on the matter. “I think it was clear that everyone agreed that safety in the schools for the children is paramount, but then there were differing opinions on whether or not we should return voting back to the schools,” he added.
Some have proposed making election day a professional development day at the schools, or perhaps even moving town elections to Saturdays. The task force will look in to various options.
