Danvers board affirms vote-by-mail for May election, sets early-voting day and delegates election staffing

The Danvers Select Board on Jan. 7 affirmed that vote-by-mail will be allowed for the May 5, 2026 annual town election and set related election logistics including one day of in-person early voting and delegations for staffing.

At a public hearing required for the vote-by-mail decision, town registrars Wally Teibert, Mark Lentini and Marilyn Hazel told the board the office has offered vote-by-mail since 2024; the clerk said 2024 saw about 49% early voting participation for local ballots (3,700 requested ballots, approximately 1,800 returned) while 2025 early voting accounted for about 6% of ballots, reflecting differences in the type of election year. The clerk noted state mailings tied to the presidential primary increased 2024 requests.

Following the hearing the board made a motion to affirm allowing vote-by-mail for the May election; the board recorded a roll-call vote in which Trask, Bean, Bernard, Bennett and Joko voted in favor. The board also approved holding a one-day in-person early-voting session on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Toomey Room, and voted to delegate to the police chief (in consultation with the town clerk) authority under chapter 92, section 72 of the acts of 2022 to detail police officers to polling locations. The board additionally delegated the town clerk authority to appoint and assign poll workers.

Town clerk staff said ballots for local elections must be received by 8 p.m. on election day to be counted, and advised residents to return ballots promptly or use the clerk's drop box. The clerk said the office will post election dates and guidance on the town website and provide a schedule to the public.

The board's votes formalize election logistics for the spring town election and place operational responsibility for staffing and security with the police chief and town clerk.