Town of Plymouth News : Proposed New Town Charter Information

From: Town of Plymouth
March 10, 2023

The Proposed New Charter for the Town of Plymouth, is now available for members of the public to review.

For the Proposed New Charter to take effect, it must be approved by a majority of the voters of the Town of Plymouth. On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Plymouth Town Election will occur, with a ballot question to consider enacting the Proposed New Charter. 

Why does this matter?

The Town Charter defines the government structure under which Plymouth operates, and that may create local offices; distribute powers, duties, and responsibilities among local offices; and that may establish and define certain procedures to be followed by Plymouth.

Where can I review the Proposed Charter?

-Per Massachusetts State Law, mailed copies of the Proposed New Charter with red-line changes from the current Charter will be delivered to all households in the Town of Plymouth with at least one registered voter. The mailed copies will be delivered to households in the coming days.  

-Physical printed copies of the Proposed New Charter are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 26 Court Street; Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road; Main Public Library, 132 South Street; Manomet Branch Library, 12 Strand Avenue. 

-Review the Charter Commission Final Statement, the full text of the Proposed New Charter with red-line changes from the current Charter, and the full text of the Proposed New Charter, on the Town's website.

What do I need to know to about Annual Town Election?

Register to Vote/Check Your Voting Registration Status: The deadline for voter registration for the Annual Town Election is Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. To register and to check your voter registration status, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/

Vote by Mail: Early voting by mail is available for all registered voters, no excuse is required.  Voters who wish to vote by mail need to complete a vote-by-mail application and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office.  The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot is Tuesday, May 16, 2023.  As a reminder, voters have until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023, to return voted ballots to the Town Clerk's office. The Vote by Mail Application is available on the Plymouth Town Clerk's Webpage.

In-Person Early Voting: The Town Clerk's Office will be offering In Person Early Voting for the Annual Town Election at Town Hall, 26 Court Street, in the Great Hall on the following dates and hours:

-Thursday, May 11, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

-Friday, May 12, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

-Saturday, May 13, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

-Monday, May 15, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

-Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

-Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Vote In-Person on Election Day: Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Due to population changes from the 2020 Federal Census the Town of Plymouth added additional voting precincts.  Thus, voters in Plymouth may have a different precinct number and polling location.  It is highly recommended all voters confirm their precinct and polling location before going to the polls on Election Day.

Positions on the ballot: 2 Select Board seats for 3 years, 1 Redevelopment Authority seat for 5 years, 2 School Committee seats for 3 years, 1 Planning Board seat for 5 years, 1 Planning Board seat for 1 year, 3 Representative Town Meeting members for 3 years for each of 18 Precincts, and Question to approve the Proposed Charter.

Residents should feel free to contact the Town Clerk’s Office with any questions at 508-747-1620 extension 10233 or email ballots@plymouth-ma.gov

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