Quincy City Council approves temporary polling-place moves for Ward 4 and Ward 6

The Quincy City Council on July 21 approved temporary changes to two polling locations ahead of the municipal election, relocating Ward 4 Precincts 2 and 3 to the lower level of the Quincy Lodge of Elks at 254 Quarry Street and moving Ward 6 Precinct 5 to the Nickerson Post at 20 Moon Island Road.

Councilors approved the single motion 7–0 with Councilor Bill Harris recusing himself before the vote because he is an employee of the Nickerson Post. Councilor Chris Campbell moved the measure and Councilor Liang seconded it.

The changes were proposed after Squantum Elementary School — the usual site for Ward 6 Precinct 5 — was closed for construction and the city received a request from the Quincy Lodge of Elks to use the lower level of its facility for Ward 4 Precincts 2 and 3. Clerk Crispo told the council the Elks’ downstairs space is handicap accessible, has restrooms, two entrances, parking and a closet to store election equipment.

City Solicitor Timmons said the designation of polling places is governed by state election law and noted the council’s role is to ensure public notice when a change is made. "The election law is governed at the state level by the secretary of state, so the statute is controlled," Timmons said. He told the council that a change of this kind requires posting and announcement of the new polling-place descriptions, though a separate council vote is not strictly required under the statute.

Councilors and staff discussed logistics and public-safety concerns about voters walking to the Nickerson Post from nearby neighborhoods, traffic near the gun range and fire department shift changes, and the need to secure parking and control lines. Councilor Bill Harris said he was concerned about safety for voters who typically walk to Squantum School but that he had decided to recuse himself from the vote because of his employment at the Post: "I'm gonna recuse myself because technically an employee of The Post...I thought it was best."

Clerk Crispo said the city has coordinated with Quincy Police, Department of Public Works and TPAL (as staff referred to the group) to address logistics and will mail notice to every household with registered voters in the affected precincts. "The other thing we're gonna do, which is required, is we're gonna mail to every household that has registered voters...and there'll be information on your card regarding if you wish to vote early or by mail," she said.

The council did not adopt a permanent relocation; members described the action as a temporary change for this municipal election cycle to accommodate construction and facility requests. The motion passed with seven "yes" votes: Councilors Ashe, Campbell, Devine, Liang, McCarthy, Minton and President King. Harris recorded a recusal. No additional amendments were made to the motion.

The council adjourned with a reminder that its next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m.