Braintree Election Cycle Formally Starts in August with Signatures

Candidates in this year's local election can begin their campaigns in earnest starting Monday Aug. 5, when nominating paperwork becomes available and door-knocking for signatures begins throughout Braintree.

That day kicks-off a nearly six-week process in which candidates for Town Council, School Committee and other posts will work to obtain between 50 and 150 signatures. There are 20 town offices on the ballot Nov. 5.

A few candidates have declared their intent to run so far this summer, including School Committee Shannon Hume for the Councilor-at-Large seat left open by Leland Dingee's upcoming retirement.

Babe Ruth volunteer Carl Zingarelli threw his hat into the ring for District 5 Councilor before leaving the race just a few days later. Of the current councilors, District 2 Councilor John Mullaney and District 6 Councilor Paul "Dan" Clifford have formally announced their intentions to seek re-election.

Every town councilor position is on the ballot this year. There are three councilor-at-large seats and one for each of the town's six districts. District councilors must gather 100 signatures from their district. Councilor-at-large candidates must gather 150 signatures, and at least 25 from each district.

Candidates are encouraged to gather more than the required amount in case signatures are found to be invalid.

Voters will also cast a ballot for three School Committee candidates, who would serve four-year terms. They will also vote for someone to fill the remaining two years given up by former member Joe Zarrella. Sarah Nichols currently holds that post until the November election, and has said she plans to run for the seat.

School Committee candidates must gather at least 150 signatures and 25 from each district.

Additional elected posts, which require candidates to gather at least 50 signatures town-wide, include:

Library Board of Trustees: Vote for three candidates for four-year terms

Electric Light Board: Vote for two candidates for four-year terms

Housing Authority: Vote for two candidates for four-year terms

See additional timing details below, and more information via the Town Clerk's website.

The deadline to obtain nomination papers is Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. and the deadline to submit them to the Board of Registrars is Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

The deadline to object to or withdraw nomination papers is Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.

A ballot-position lottery will take place Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. Town Clerk Joe Powers will host a candidates’ forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. that night in the Town Hall auditorium.

Polls will be open Election Day, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.