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How to get a sample ballot for the November election in MA by mail or online

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How to get a sample ballot for the November election in MA by mail or online


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Planning ahead for the Nov. election in Massachusetts? Sample ballots will be available online or by mail very soon.

Blank sample ballots are available for the upcoming statewide election on Nov. 5, when Massachusetts residents will be casting their votes for president, U.S. and state senator, U.S. and state representative and several other offices so voters can research and prepare ahead of their trip to the polls.

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Five ballot measures will also be voted on in the upcoming election, with questions including the elimination of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, unionization for transportation workers and minimum wage for tipped workers.

Here’s how you can see a copy of your blank sample ballot ahead of the election.

How to find your blank sample ballot online

Blank sample ballots will be available online in Massachusetts around early October, the Secretary of State’s office said.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will have sample ballots available on its website. Voters can use the Secretary of State’s election information page to enter their address and find a sample ballot.

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In the meantime, the Secretary of State’s office has a list of the offices that will be on the ballot in the Nov. election on its website. Additionally, election encyclopedia Ballotpedia currently has a sample ballot lookup tool that lists the questions and offices that will be on the ballot.

How to request a sample ballot by mail in MA

Massachusetts voters who don’t have access to online ballots and want to instead receive a sample ballot by mail will have to request one from their local Town or City Clerk’s office.

The state does not send out sample ballots via mail unless it is requested by a voter.

The sample ballots will be available in clerk’s offices no later than Oct. 7, the Secretary of State’s office said.

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What is a sample election ballot?

A sample ballot is a blank ballot that looks like the official one that will be used for an election.

Sample ballots are typically made available for voters ahead of an election so they know how to navigate the information when casting their vote. It should be clearly marked as a sample.



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Massachusetts

Proposed price labeling changes debated in Massachusetts

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Proposed price labeling changes debated in Massachusetts


Proposed price labeling changes debated in Massachusetts

Proposed changes to unit pricing labels in Massachusetts could make them smaller and allow different colors, sparking debate among consumer advocates and industry representatives.

The Division of Standards is considering revisions to unit pricing regulations that would reduce the size of unit price labels and permit a variety of background colors instead of the traditional orange. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for retailers but have raised concerns among consumer advocates who argue it may hinder consumers’ ability to compare prices effectively.

Edgar Dworsky, founder of ConsumerWorld.org, testified against the proposed changes at a state house hearing, emphasizing that smaller labels could make it difficult for consumers, especially older ones, to read unit prices.

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“They want to make it only six millimeters,” Dworsky said. “That’s less than a quarter of an inch.”

According to Dworsky, the hearing saw participation from five speakers, with four representing consumer groups and one from the industry. The Mass Retailers Association’s general counsel supported the changes, citing increased flexibility for businesses.

Consumer advocates expressed concerns that the changes could be confusing for shoppers, particularly if unit prices are displayed on backgrounds traditionally used for sale prices, such as yellow.

“For over 50 years we’ve been telling people look for the orange unit price on the shelf. That will help you find the best deal and compare prices more easily and save money,” Dworsky said. “What’s the reason that you would want a different color?”

Dworsky highlighted that while the proposed regulations might make unit prices less visible, they do include a positive aspect: unit prices will have to be consistent regardless of any discounts or digital coupons applied, making it easier for consumers to compare prices.

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The Division of Standards is accepting feedback from consumers and businesses until the end of the month, after which they will decide on the final rules.

You can view the proposal here.

You can email the Division of Standards at standards.mail@mass.gov

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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New safety review for all Mass. assisted-living facilities after Fall River fire

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New safety review for all Mass. assisted-living facilities after Fall River fire


In the wake of the deadly Gabriel House fire disaster in Fall River, all assisted-living facilities in Massachusetts are being ordered to share their fire safety plans by the end of next week, the Healey administration announced Friday.

All 273 facilities in Massachusetts will also have share evacuation routes and instructions with residents and their families and ensure they are posted widely in the building, complete a fire safety assessment survey, report the age of key fire safety systems and submit their latest emergency preparedness plan to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence, officials said.

The office is working to finish a proposal for stronger regulatory requirements at the state’s assisted-living facilities that predates the Fall River fire but which is being reevaluated in the wake of the blaze.

Nine people died after the fire at Gabriel House this weekend, and dozens more were injured.

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“What happened in Fall River is a horrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and to the first responders who saved so many others,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “This is a moment to make sure that every Assisted Living Residence is prepared to respond to emergencies and to protect the safety of their residents.”

The fire at Gabriel House has left at least nine people dead. Investigators are still looking into its cause, but believe it was accidental.

Evacuations stretched on for the better part of an hour — the city’s fire chief has praised police officers for their part in it. After the Fall River firefighter union said crews’ response was hampered by low staffing, negotiations with the city led to the announcement of a boost in staffing on fire trucks.

Some of Gabriel House’s inspection records have been released, but compliance is part of the ongoing investigations into what happened.

We’re learning more about past inspections of the Fall River assisted living facility where a deadly fire broke out.

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As part of the new Fire and Life Safety Initiative, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence will give the facilities it oversees five business days from Monday to outline all fire safety protocols, including details on evacuations, and people to contact with concerns or questions for residents and families in a letter. The evacuation instructions will also have to be placed inside residents’ units and common areas.

Facilities will have to reaffirm within 30 days that they are in compliance with fire safety requirements like hosting fire drills and using sprinkler systems, and they’ll have to submit their Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan for each site.

By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day,” Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson said in a statement. “Our entire team is committed to strengthening emergency readiness and improving standards across the assisted living sector in Massachusetts.”

New Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said the initiative is “is about ensuring every building has the resources, knowledge and support they need to keep residents safe in the event of an emergency.”

The Healey administration shared statements from the heads of three organizations, Massachusetts Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge and Mass Senior Care Association, who committed to learn from the what happened in Fall River and the findings of the association.

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“Our condolences and sympathies are with the residents, families, and staff members who have been affected during this incredibly difficult time. Mass-ALA is committed to learning from the findings of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investigation and actions to prevent another tragedy like the fire and loss of life that happened in Fall River,” Massachusetts Assisted Living Association President and CEO Brian Doherty said.



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6 Massachusetts communities impacted by trash strike file lawsuit against Republic Services

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6 Massachusetts communities impacted by trash strike file lawsuit against Republic Services


Six communities across Massachusetts impacted by the ongoing trash collector strike filed a complaint in Salem Superior Court Thursday morning asking a judge to put an end to it. 

“We filed a suit to try and get some relief from the court to require Republic to pick up our trash and recycling,” said Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill. 

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Strike began on July 1

The complaint included Canton, Danvers, Gloucester, Beverly, Peabody and Malden. Thursday marked 17 days since the communities received regular trash removal services after union workers walked off the job July 1, demanding better pay and benefits from Republic Services. 

“Residents can’t do this any longer. Our cities and towns can’t handle this any longer,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “It’s a public safety issue. Republic’s got to get back to the negotiating table.” 

In response to public scrutiny, Republic Services released a statement Thursday emphasizing their commitment to reaching a strong labor agreement that benefits employees and customers. 

“Regarding the lawsuit filed today, it is disappointing that these six communities have taken this route as we continue to work with our municipal partners to address their needs,” the statement said. 

Residents, businesses impacted

For nearly three weeks, Beverly resident and business owner Alex Weatherup says his trash has been piling up. “It does not smell good in my apartment right now. It’s hot, it’s smelly, and it’s not great,” he said. 

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Paul Guanci echoed that sentiment saying, “It has affected our business; we’ve actually rented a big dumpster out back for just our recycling.” 

Back in June, Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga and Beverly Mayor Mike Cahlil say Republic warned them of a potential strike.

Promises “unfulfilled” mayor says

However, Cahill says, “They said they were trying their best to avoid it but if one happened that we didn’t have to worry. They promised that they were a big national company, that they would have resources in our communities to pick up our trash and recycling.”

“There were promises made leading up to the strike and there have been promises made and unfulfilled since the strike,” Verga added. 

Both mayors told WBZ that they’ve been in contact with local reps from the company but have yet to hear from the CEO directly. 

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“Our health director went around yesterday with our inspectors and took pictures of about 25 dumpsters that were full and overflowing,” Cahill said. 

To get rid of the trash, Weatherup hired a private collection service. “We had to call junk removal services to take out trash for the condos, the shop, the restaurant,” he said.

And while the extra business has benefitted Jared Epstein’s junk collection service, he says “You know, not ideal for our community.” 

It’s helpful for now, but Mayor Cahill says it’s no permanent solution. “Fourteen thousand customers. There’s no way any small businessperson can do that,” he said. 

A hearing for the lawsuit is expected to be held on Monday at 2 p.m. 

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