Braintree officials prepare for more deadlines as Nov. 8 election draws closer

By Jessica Bartlett, Town Correspondent

While deadline for becoming a candidate in Braintree Nov. 8 municipal elections has passed, several key dates are coming up soon.

According to Braintree’s Town Clerk Joseph Powers, Oct. 4 was the last day to file nomination papers with the Town Clerk, all candidates were certified, meaning they obtained the necessary number of signatures.

Two other deadlines will also occur this week -- this Thursday is the last day to withdraw nomination papers or for someone to object to a potential candidates nomination.

Additionally, the ballot position lottery will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. to determine where people fall on the ballot card. This is the last deadline that needs to be met before the ballot can be created, Powers said.

According to Powers, position is determined solely by lottery, and incumbents are not necessarily listed first. However, the ballot will indicate whichever candidates are up for re-election.

The lottery event is open to the public. Candidates and their representatives are all encouraged to attend the event, which should last no longer than 10 minutes.

Another deadline will be on Oct. 19. Not only is it the last day for town residents to register to vote, it will also be the Candidates’ Forum Hosted by Powers.

“Each candidate will have up to two minutes to introduce themselves while BCAM televises. Candidates will also have an opportunity to provide campaign material/literature on tables in Cahill Auditorium,” Powers said in an email.

With the competition fierce for several seats, the event should be well attended, Powers said.

“I’m hoping there is a great amount of participation for both events on the 19th, both registering to vote, which till take place throughout the day till 8 p.m. It’s also a way to drum up voter participation and also an opportunity for candidates to meet,” Powers said.

Each candidate will spea for two minutes about what they represent and what they hope to achieve.

Candidates must also file some level of campaign finance form to the town after Oct. 22 but prior to Oct. 31 in order to give record to their campaign dealings.

“That is [a deadline from] the Office of Political Finance - they need to get their filing report in by that date, covering whenever people created their committees to Oct 31,” Powers said.

For an unofficial list of certified candidates, click here.