HADLEY — Hadley’s annual town election, which had been set for April 14, will be pushed back a month as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Select Board voted during an emergency meeting Monday to petition for special legislation that would set the election for May 12.
The board had to make the decision to seek the change in election date at least 20 days in advance of its original date.
Hadley’s ballot is expected to have competition for a three-year position on the Select Board, a five-year position on the Planning Board and a three-year position on the Board of Health.
In its unanimous vote, the board cited public health issues and risk to vulnerable populations as a reason to postpone the election.
Town Clerk Jessica Spanknebel said that most of her pollworkers are people who are in the most vulnerable age populations for being affected by the coronavirus.
The Select Board didn’t declare a state of emergency, but said that Hadley as a town will take actions consistent with recommendations of local and state emergency in response to the worldwide pandemic.
Meanwhile, the town of Granby announced that its town election remains scheduled for May 18, and people can pick up or return nomination papers by appointment as its town offices are closed.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
