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kOn the one hand, Medford Election Commissioner Henry Milorin is not worried about election security in Massachusetts, but on the other hand, he recognizes that there is a lot of uncertainty among voters, especially when it comes to vote-by-mail.
In a phone call with GKM, Milorin said that while it is possible Trump could try to disrupt the general election, the city takes steps to make sure voting goes smoothly.
For one thing, voting machines are routinely tested, Milorin said.
The Election Commission is getting ready to test them before the Nov. 3 general election. An October 8 notice to voters explained the testing will take place Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17, and, if necessary, Sunday, October 18, starting at 9 a.m. each day. And, that testing is open to the public.
"After each election, you have to test the machines again," Milorin said.
And there is something voters can do if they are concerned about sending their ballot through the U.S. Postal Service. Milorin said they can simply skip the mailing part altogether.
"The best thing to do," he said, "is get it to the office."
There are ballot drop boxes outside and inside City Hall, he said.
Some voters are concerned about ICE or other federal agents showing up at the polls. Like other non-voters, such as people holding campaign signs, federal agents are supposed to stand back from polling places, Milorin said.
Director of elections addresses voter concerns
Election security was on the agenda of a recent City Council meeting, and some voters said they are worried.
Julia Hendricks and Zoe Dukach, for example, said they know there are guidelines for Medford elections. But, Hendricks said, "We also are living in a very unusual time, and the Protect Act actually goes into effect on November 3, which is our election day.”
They said they are interested in hearing about:
- how the election workers are being trained to deal with ICE or other armed federal agents, if they show up at the polls
- how Medford police – who provide security at election sites, and always do a wonderful job – are being trained
- who residents should notify if there is intimidation going on at the voting sites or if they see police working with ICE agents on election day
Medford Director of Elections Jim Blatchford said his department would be providing training for election workers. He also said his department will be speaking with the Police Department and Chief Jack Buckley regarding procedures for the day and laws that need to be enforced and observed by the officers.
“It’s unfortunate we’re living in unprecedented times," Blatchford said. "I can’t give all the correct answers."
"All I can say," Blatchford continued, "is I'm going to provide as much training as I can on the laws that currently exist and that are going to be in place and then follow up conversations with the police chief and the officers of the day to make sure that they understand their role and their authority."
In addition, he said he will be "making sure that our wardens and our clerks are fully trained on their procedures for the day and what they need to do to make sure that everyone is observing the election laws as they exist and making sure that there's no shenanigans."
"Let's put it that way,” Blatchford said.
He explained that if a resident sees a problem, they should call the Medford elections office first at 781-393-2491. However, he said, residents can also call the secretary of state's office 1-800-392-6090.
Resident Steve Schnapp said, “I just want to thank my neighbors for raising this issue, and I want to thank the city, both elected and appointed officials, for taking this issue seriously. We want to protect the rights of all registered voters to vote. It's an issue of democracy, and I'm just very appreciative that Medford residents have spoken out about this and the city is now alerted to protecting our vote.”
In-person, early voting hours
In-person, early voting for the Nov. 3 general election will take place on the 2nd floor of Medford City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30.
Here are the hours:
Sat., Oct. 17 – 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Sun., Oct. 18 – 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon., Oct. 19 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue., Oct. 20 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed., Oct. 21 – 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu., Oct. 22 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri., Oct. 23 – 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 24 – 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Sun., Oct. 25 – 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon., Oct. 26 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue., Oct. 27 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed., Oct. 28 – 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Thu., Oct. 29 – 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri., Oct. 30 – 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Polling locations
Ward 1, Precinct 1 – Andrews Middle School
Ward 1 Precinct 2 – Firefighters Club, Salem Street
Ward 2 Precincts 1 and 2 – Roberts Elementary School
Ward 3 Precinct 1 – Medford American Legion, 321 Winthrop St.
Ward 3 Precinct 3 – Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop St.
Ward 4 Precincts 1 and 2 – Tufts University Gantcher Center, right rear entrance
Ward 5 Precincts 1 and 2 – Missituk Elementary School
Ward 6 Precinct 1 – West Medford Fire Station
Ward 6 Precinct 2 – Brooks School
Ward 7 Precinct 1 - Mystic Valley Towers, 3610 Mystic Valley Parkway
Ward 7 Precinct 2 - McGlynn Public School
Ward 8 Precinct 1 - Senior Center, 101 Riverside Ave
Ward 8 Precinct 2 - South Medford Fire Station
