To the editor:

The Nov. 5 general election will present a number of important issues for Barrington voters to decide. In addition to the national, statewide, and local offices on the ballot, there are five statewide referenda questions (one asking about a state constitutional convention and four proposals for state bonds). Perhaps even more consequential for local voters are the five additional ballot questions specific to Barrington.

Ballot Question #6 asks voters to decide whether the annual Financial Town Meeting (FTM) should be replaced by an all-day Financial Town Referendum where voters would have the opportunity to cast their ballots at the polls to approve and/or amend the annual Town budget. This was among the questions recommended by the Charter Review Commission and approved by the Town Council to be put before the voters to decide.

Two other Charter review questions are also on the ballot: Question #7 would allow for “housekeeping” changes to be made to the Charter to reflect the current structure of Town government and the existing duties, practices, and names of some Town offices; and Question #8 would remove language currently in the Charter that implies that the Fire Department could be eliminated by a vote of the Town Council.

In addition to the Charter review questions, there are two other ballot questions regarding authorizing the use of funds to install synthetic turf on athletic field(s) – Question #9 is specific to the Middle School project and Question #10 relates to other municipal fields managed by the Town.

The Board of Canvassers sent a voter information booklet to every household in Barrington with information explaining the ballot questions. Printed copies of the booklet also are available at Town Hall, the public library, and the senior center, and a digital copy is posted on the Town’s website. We encourage voters to review the booklet (as well as other sources of information) in order to be prepared to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

It goes without saying that every election is important, and presidential elections of course are especially notable. The Nov. 5 general election, however, carries even greater significance for Barrington voters as they face five local ballot questions, the outcomes of which will have a direct and material impact on the local community. We strongly encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to make their voice heard by voting in the Nov. 5 general election. Information about where, when, and how to vote can be found at the Town’s website.

Respectfully,

Barrington Board of Canvassers

Claire L. Boyes, Chair

Daniel O’Mahony, Member

Alfred M. Schrade, Member

Paul Dulchinos, Alternate

Sarah O’Brien, Alternate