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Town counsel urges caution: don’t use town email lists, staff time or town resources to influence override vote
Summary
Town counsel Jonathan Simpson told the Select Board that town or school email lists, staff time, letterhead and other public resources must not be used to influence the upcoming operating‑override ballot; elected officials can voice personal views but staff and appointed officials face stricter limits.
Jonathan Simpson, first assistant town counsel, spent more than an hour briefing the Select Board and members of the public on the legal boundaries for town officials and staff during the pre‑election period for the operating override. "Mass emails generally they are not allowed," Simpson said, adding it is unlawful to use email lists compiled by the town or schools to send unsolicited material about the ballot question.
Simpson told the board the same rule applies to other public resources: staff time, town letterhead, meeting rooms, seals and similar assets may not be used to influence how residents vote. "Use of public resources to influence voters is prohibited," he said, and warned that even…
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