Dedham 2020 Election: Who's On The Ballot, Polling Times

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham's Annual Town Election is set for Saturday and there are a few contested races as well as one question on the ballot. While Dedham encouraged voting by mail and absentee ballots to avoid the possible spread of the coronavirus, polls will still be open on Saturday. Social distancing is encouraged and masks or face coverings will be required in polling places.

There are 13 races on the ballot as well as Town Meeting Member positions up for grabs. Of the 13 races on Saturday's ballot, four races are contested. The four contested races are School Committee, Select Board, Parks and Recreation Commission and Board of Health.

Polling Locations, Hours

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The polling places for each precinct in Dedham are as follows:

1. Dedham Town Hall
2. Riverdale School
3. Motherbrook Arts & Community Center (123 High Street, in the back)
4. Dedham Middle School
5. Greenlodge School
6. Dedham Middle School
7. Greenlodge School

Who's On The Ballot

The School Committee race has two open seats with three year terms each. The three candidates vying for a spot on the committee are Joshua Donati, Beth Flanagan-Gleason and Melissa Pearrow. Donati and Pearrow are running for re-election and defending their seats from Gleason.

In the race for Board of Selectmen, three candidates are vying for two open seats that have three-year terms. The candidates for School Committee are Dennis J. Teehan Jr, William Ralph and Kevin Coughlin. Teehan is running for re-election while Ralph and Coughlin are running as new candidates.

The Parks and Recreation Commission race also has three candidates vying for two seats. Incumbents Jonathan Briggs and Jim Maher are defending their seats against candidate Alix O'Connell.

The Board of Health race only has two candidates but one open spot. Incumbent Leanne Jassett will defend her seat against candidate Allison Staton.

The organization Women in Democracy in Dedham has profiles for all contested candidates on its website.

A sample ballot will all races can be found on the town website.

Ballot Question

The ballot question this year is focused on the "Dedham Heritage Rail Trail." The question is, whether the voter is in favor of the construction and design of the trail on the 10-acre piece of public land that runs from East Street to the Boston/Redville line, at no cost to the taxpayer.

The ballot question is non-binding, which means that even if the voters are in favor of the construction and design, it doesn't mean the town can or will start work or pursue the project. The question is meant to field the opinions of Dedham residents to see if, there were no cost to taxpayers, they would be for or against the project.

The proposed rail trail is 1.3 miles long. The town has a breakdown of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the trail on its website.