Wareham Selectmen mull new polling locations with new school on the way

Dec 11, 2018

With the demolition of the Minot Forest School approaching Selectmen are exploring new polling locations for voters in precincts 3 and 6.

Voters in those precincts, which cover the Shangri-La neighborhood, East Wareham and part of Onset, had been casting ballots at the former Minot Forest School, which was closed this summer. Since then, Wareham voters approved spending $90 million for a new elementary school at the same site. The new school is expected to open within two and a half years, officials said.

Town Clerk Mary Ann Silva approached Selectmen on Tuesday to ask where polling should take place until the new school opens. The town will hold roughly six elections before the new building is ready, said Selectman Patrick Tropeano. 

Silva said Selectmen had to reach a decision soon because every voter in those precincts must be notified individually via postcard before the April Town Election. She added that board members had to pick a location that was easy for residents to attend.

“We must make it as convenient as possible for the voters” said Silva.

Selectmen floated ideas for a couple of potential locations, such as the Dudley L. Brown Veterans of Foreigns Post and the Hammond School. Ultimately, board members decided to visit various locations and then make a final decision at an upcoming meeting.