HADLEY — The annual town election will be held May 16, with the Select Board agreeing Wednesday to extend polling hours to promote social distancing, and at the same time appealing for residents to seek absentee ballots, as ways to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19.
In consultation with Town Clerk Jessica Spanknebel, the Select Board voted 4-0 to have the polls open at Hopkins Academy from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Typically, polls have been open from noon to 8 p.m. for town elections.
The ballot includes contests for:
■A three-year seat on the Select Board, currently held by Molly Keegan, between Brenda Fydenkevez, Jane Nevinsmith, Amy Parsons and Nicole Bercume.
■A five-year position on the Planning Board between incumbent Joseph Zgrodnik and challenger Mark Howard.
■A three-year seat on the Board of Health between incumbent Richard Tessier and challenger Susan Mosler.
The decision to go forward with the election was made even though it’s uncertain whether Hadley’s public schools will have reopened or whether the buildings will be closed until fall. Superintendent Anne McKenzie told the board a decision is expected on the status of schools from Gov. Charlie Baker within the next week.
Town Administrator David Nixon said the board was being encouraged by residents to not further delay the election, which had been scheduled for April 14 before the pandemic.
Select Board Chairman Christian Stanley said social distancing could be done safely at the polls, with lines forming outside the building. Still, all registered voters are eligible to request and receive an absentee ballot, he said.
Board member David J. Fill II suggested that it might be possible to also hand out masks to people who come to the polls.
With the likelihood that many people will vote before election day, officials are trying to coordinate with the Hadley Mothers’ Club on arranging a candidates night via Zoom, which would give those on the ballot an opportunity to explain their views on issues well in advance of May 16.
