From the Town Clerk’s Office

Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2024 10:23 am

By Lorraine Sorel, Assistant Town Clerk

Hello from the Town Clerk’s Office. It’s winter in New England with snow and frigid temperatures, and if you just wait a bit it can change. Keep the snow boots and shovels ready along with your favorite mug for some hot chocolate. February 2024 is a Leap Year with 29 days in the month. Happy Birthday to everyone born on the 29^th! This happens every 4 years last being in 2020. February is packed with holidays, the 2^nd is Ground Hog Day, the 11^th is Super Bowl Sunday, don’t forget the flowers and chocolate heats on February 14^th for Valentine’s, the 18^th is Daytona 500 for all the NASCAR fans, February 19^th is President’s Day, Town offices will be closed. It’s also the start of school vacation week.

The clerk’s office has been extremely busy processing the 2024 town census data along with processing dog licenses. Thank you for your promptness in returning them both. If you have not returned your town census or dog license application, please do so as soon as possible. Reminder you cannot register to vote or change party affiliation on your census form. The March 31^st deadline is fast approaching to renew your dog licenses.

The vote by mail postcards are in the mail from the Secretary of State. If you haven’t received yours, I’m sure it’s on its way. Please be sure to check off the Election (s) you are interested in receiving a vote by mail ballot. If you choose ALL ELECTIONS, BE SURE TO SELECT A PARTY IF YOU ARE UNENROLLED (Independent). If you have already filled out an Absentee or Vote by mail application and returned it to the Clerk’s Office, you do not need to mail the postcard from the Secretary of State.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
The Presidential Primary is Tuesday, March 5, 2024. All voting will take place at the Seekonk High School gymnasium, 261 Arcade Avenue. The polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. The last day to register to vote for the Presidential Primary is February 24^th until 5 PM. We will be holding Early voting for this election. Early voting will be held at Town Hall on Saturday, February 24^th from 9 AM – 3 PM, and the week of February 27^th – March 1, 2024, during regular town hall business hours. Wednesday hours will be until 7:00 PM

As many of you know census updating and dog licensing are only part of the many functions of the clerk’s office. We are also certifying new voters as well as registering voters on-line through the RMV and various Health Organizations. We are certifying election nomination papers for the April 1^st annual town election.

ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
The Annual Town Election for Seekonk will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024. All voting takes place at the Seekonk High School gymnasium, 261 Arcade Avenue. The polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. The deadline to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office is February 12^th at 5 PM. The last day to register to vote is March 22, 2024.

We will be holding Early Voting for this election. Early voting will be held at Town Hall the week of March 25 – 29, regular town hall hours.

Below is a list of the candidates who are running for Town positions *(incumbent)

Board of Assessors – Joyce Solomon
Board of Selectmen – David Viera, *Christopher Zorro
Library Board - *Sharon Connors, *Cynthis Corbett
Planning Board - *Rene Gagnon, *David Sullivan, Jr.
School Comm - *Noah Escaler, Alicia MacManus, Lisa Rizzo, Josh Troiano
Town Clerk – Sandra Escaler, Kristen L’Heureau, John Pozzi, Jr., Christpher Rizzo
Water Comm – Irene Frechette, George Ryder

Reminders – Save the Date
The Annual 2024 Rabies Clinic, for both dogs and cats, will be held March 16, 2024, at the Seekonk Public Safely Building Fire Division, 500 Taunton Ave. The attending veterinarian will be Dr. Truesdale, and the fee will be $15 cash only. Please bring proof of current rabies vaccine. All cats and ferrets must be in cages and dogs must be on a leash. The Town of Rehoboth will be joining us.

The Spring Town Meeting has been set for Monday, May 13, 2024.

Third quarter Real Estate taxes are due on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

First Commitment of Motor Vehicle Excise tax bills will be issued February 6. 2024 and due on March 7, 2024.

Have a wonderful month. As always thank you for taking the time to read the Town Clerk’s Office monthly updates. Enjoy your long weekend and school vacation week. The days are getting longer and soon Spring will be upon us. - Lorraine