Massachusetts: Bridgewater recall leads to debate on date

Bridgewater is facing a debate over whether to hold its recall on October 27 or November 6. Town Clerk is pushing for October 27, claiming a logistical nightmare on election day. Council President is pushing for election day to get a "true picture." Nobody is claiming a cost savings for election day.

Note this headache:

Brian McNiff, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said the two elections may not be combined on the same ballot.

But he said no state law prohibits the elections from being held on the same day using separate ballots. Adams said not only would there need to be separate ballots and separate check-ins, but the hours are different for the two elections.  

By town bylaw, the polls must be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for special elections, such as the recall, Adams said. But by state law, the polls must be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for state elections, such as the Presidential election, Adams said.