October 15, 2022
Your ballots will look slightly different this election. Samples for Topsfield Precincts 1 and 2, as well as all important dates for early voting, are available at the Topsfield Town Clerk's webpage.
September 29, 2022
September 29, 2022
Vote by Mail Applications for the General Election were mailed in September to each registered voter in your household who had not already applied for Vote by Mail ballots for ALL elections.
Return the application as early as possible to receive a ballot at the address you indicate. The Topsfield Town Clerk will mail you a ballot when it is available, usually two to three weeks prior to Election Day, so plan accordingly.
Completed General Election ballots must be POSTMARKED by November 8, 2022 to be counted.
September 15, 2022
Check your mailbox for the publication that provides the text, a summary, the impact of a yes or no vote, fiscal consequences of your vote, and arguments in favor or against the ballot questions on the November 8 ballot.
Page 18 in the publication explains why Ballot Question 4 is not included in the printed version.
Question 4: Eligibility for Driver's Licenses is available here.
Arguments in favor or against Ballot Question 4 will be added to the digital version after they are finalized by proponents and opponents.
From this link you can access the digital version of Ballot Questions 1,2,3 as well.
August 23, 2022
Here's a link to the League of Women Voters MA-hosted forum with the two Democratic Candidates for Essex County District Attorney, which originally aired on August 18. There is no Republican challenger, so the primary will essentially determine the next DA of Essex County.
August 17, 2022
Here's a link to the League of Women Voters MA-hosted forum with the two Democratic Candidates for Essex County Sheriff, which originally aired on August 11. There is no Republican challenger, so the primary will essentially determine whether the incumbent, Kevin Coppinger, or his challenger, Virginia Leigh will be the next Sheriff of Essex County.
A forum for the District Attorney Eastern District will air on August 18. We will post when it is available.
August 11, 2022
Here's a link to the debate between the two Democratic Candidates for Secretary of State, which originally aired on August 10.
August 9, 2022
Here's a link to the debate between the two Democratic Candidates for State Auditor, which originally aired on August 8.
The upcoming debate between the candidates for Secretary of State (August 10) will be posted when available.
August 3, 2022
Here's a link to the debate between the three Democratic Candidates for Lt. Governor, which originally aired on August 2.
Upcoming debates between the candidates for State Auditor (August 8) and Secretary of State (August 8 and 10) will be posted as they become available.
August 2, 2022
Please take this opportunity to compare the candidates before the September 6 Primary. Here's a link to the debate between the three Democratic Candidates for Attorney General, which originally aired on August 1.
Upcoming debates between the candidates for Lieutenant Governor (August 2) and Secretary of State (August 8 and 10) will be posted as they become available.
June 28, 2022
August 27, 2022 - Last day to register to vote in the Democratic Primary
August 29, 2022 - Last day to apply for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot - No need to wait!
September 6, 2022 - State Primary
October 29, 2022 - Last day to register to vote in the State Election.
November 8, 2022 - State Election
February 4, 2022
Topsfield Democrats will hold a virtual caucus on Tuesday, February 15, at 7PM to elect three Delegates and three Alternates to the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. Participation requires Zoom registration here. Log in begins 30 minutes before the designated start time.
You must be a registered or pre-registered Topsfield Democrat as of February 4, 2022 to be eligible to run as, and/or vote for, Delegates and Alternates. A pre-registered voter is one who will be at least age 16 by February 15, 2022. One male, one female, and one of any gender are sought for election.
The Convention will take place on Saturday, June 4th at the DCU Center in Worcester and will include a virtual option for participation. Democrats from across the state will gather to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the November 2022 elections.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party has a competitive list of worthy candidates seeking State-wide offices in 2022. Each candidate needs 15% of the delegates at the MA Convention in June, to appear on the Primary ballot in September. When you participate in our caucus on February 15, you have a voice in the choice of candidates on the Primary ballot. Please visit the candidates' websites, and consider attending and/or running for delegate or alternate.
The Democratic Committee welcomes all eligible participants. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected at the caucus may apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.
Please contact Topsfield Democratic Committee Chair Heidi Fox at contact@topsfielddems.org for additional information.
January 21, 2022
Topsfield Democrats will hold a virtual caucus on Tuesday, February 15, at 7PM to elect three Delegates and three Alternates to the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. Participation requires Zoom registration at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvcuyorzosG9RnmZz97mFNl50CqrkcSPa_. Log in begins 30 minutes before the designated start time.
You must be a registered or pre-registered Topsfield Democrat as of February 4, 2022 to be eligible to run as, and/or vote for, Delegates and Alternates. A pre-registered voter is one who will be at least age 16 by February 15, 2022. One male, one female, and one of any gender are sought for election.
The Convention will take place on Saturday, June 4th at the DCU Center in Worcester and will include a virtual option for participation. Democrats from across the state will gather to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the November 2022 elections.
The Democratic Committee welcomes all eligible participants. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected at the caucus may apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or at www.massdems.org.
Please contact Topsfield Democratic Committee Chair Heidi Fox at contact@topsfielddems.org for additional information.
January 21, 2022
Join our neighbors in the Boxford DTC for their 5th Annual Speaker Series interactive Zoom event, Thursday, January 27, at 7PM. Register here for access to the event.
December 1, 2021
The following is Jamie's response to her election victory on November 30th as posted on her Facebook page:
"I am both honored and humbled to have been elected by the voters of the 4th Essex District to be their next State Representative.
"Our message throughout this campaign has been very consistently that I intend to be a voice for all the residents and families of our district. I believe the results we saw today were because we put the people of the district first and that is exactly what I will continue to do as their Representative.
"I am extremely proud of this campaign and all who have helped along the way toward making this night possible. I cannot even begin to thank all the people – supporters and volunteers alike – who helped to contribute to our success tonight. I also want to congratulate Bob Snow on running a very good campaign that was focused on the issues and the needs of our district.
"I plan on getting right to work ensuring that the voices of this district are heard. I will continue being a strong advocate when it comes to those issues that are affecting all of us: our continued economic recovery, improving education and access to health, and protecting our environment and waterways.
"Again, I want to thank everyone who made this night possible. Tonight, we are going to celebrate a tremendous victory, but tomorrow we will be getting right back to work for residents, and families from all the communities of our district."
November 16, 2021
If you received a Vote-By-Mail Ballot for the November 2nd Primary, you should automatically receive a Vote-By-Mail Ballot for the November 30th Special Election. Topsfield Town Clerk expects ballots to arrive at her office this week, after which she will mail them to eligible voters.
If you complete the ballot mailed to you, we recommend dropping it off at the Town Hall drop box, or at the Clerk's office to make sure it is counted on November 30th. Alternatively, you may vote in person on November 30th.
Please make a plan to vote, and elect one of our own, Topsfield's Jamie Belsito, to represent us on Beacon Hill!
November 5, 2021
Join us for a rally Saturday November 6, 2021, 1:00-3:00PM at the EBSCO Take Out Terrace on the Ipswich Riverwalk.
Help elect Topsfield's Jamie Belsito as our next 4th Essex District State Representative. You can still register to vote by November 10, in order to vote in the Special Election on November 30.
October 29, 2021
For those of you unable to watch the Candidates' Night live, here is a link to the YouTube video.
Don't forget to VOTE on November 2nd!!!
October 26, 2021
The Democratic Town Committees of the 4th Essex District invite Democratic and Unenrolled voters to virtually meet the Democratic Candidates who are on the November 2 Primary Ballot, Jamie Belsito and Darycll (Darcy) Dale.
Please preregister for the virtual Candidates' Night at Eventbrite. Those preregistered will receive a link to watch the event on YouTube on October 28, 7-8PM.
This free online candidate meet and greet will be emceed by Amber Hewitt of Newburyport, who ran for State Rep in the 1st Essex District in 2020.
October 22, 2021
In advance of the November 2 Primary Election, our Topsfield Town Clerk will be testing the Voting Equipment on Monday, October 25 at 10:30AM in her office at Town Hall. The testing is open to the public and offers you an opportunity to witness the integrity of our election process.
October 13, 2021
Are you registered to vote?
Is your party affiliation Democratic or Unenrolled?
Wednesday, October 13, is the last day to make sure you are eligible to vote in the Special Democratic Primary Election on November 2. Access the Online Voter Registration System here.
Learn more about the candidates from their websites:
Topsfield's own Jamie Belsito - www.electjamiebelsito.com
Hamilton's Darcy Dale - www.darcydale.com
Vote-by-Mail Ballot Applications are available NOW!
September 16, 2021
With Brad Hill's departure from the State House as our Representative on September 15, we need to be aware of the upcoming Special Elections to fill his vacancy.
Important dates to remember:
October 13, 2021 - Last day to register to vote in the Democratic Primary
October 27, 2021 - Last day to apply for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot
November 2, 2021 - Special State Primary
November 30, 2021 - Special State Election
Coming Soon - Information about candidates and issues
May 27, 2021
On Tuesday June 8 at 7:00PM please join us for a free Webinar to learn about elections in Topsfield.
How does voting work in Topsfield? How and when do you register to vote? Is your voter registration public? Can you vote early? What keeps your vote private and secure? What makes the voting results official?
Beth Willis, Topsfield's Town Clerk, and Paula Burke, former Town Clerk and Topsfield's Election Warden will answer your questions in a Zoom webinar on June 8th, at 7:00PM.
The webinar and questions will be moderated by Marshall Hook, Topsfield Select Board Member.
Questions may be sent to: contact@topsfielddems.org
prior to the event or submitted during the session.
Registration is required and free.
The Topsfield Elections Information Night is sponsored by the Topsfield Democratic Committee, TopsfieldDems.org
January 17, 2021
Join our neighbors in the Boxford DTC for their 4th Annual Speaker Series, Zoom webinar, Tuesday, January 26, 7PM. Register here for access to the event featuring Equal Justice Initiative Attorney Ashley Adams.
January 16, 2021
Topsfield DTC joins other North Shore committees to urge State Rep Brad Hill to call for accountability for the events of January 6th.
Read our Letter to the Editor of the Chronicle & Transcript/Wicked Local.
March 31, 2021
The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus (MWPC) is hosting a free Zoom webinar:
Wednesday, March 31 from 12:00 - 1:00PM. Registration & more information can be found at MWPC.org.
Meet the women leading the Commonwealth during these unprecedented times. Learn about their legislative agenda and the goals they want to achieve for the women of Massachusetts. Hear how they are writing the next chapter of our state’s history.
Featuring:
- Senator President Karen SpilkaJanuary 12, 2021
Accountability and Reconciliation are not mutually exclusive. Nor should they be partisan. The Vice President has informed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that he will not invoke the 25th Amendment. The House will proceed with a vote on Impeachment on January 13, 2021. Links to various statements can be found here:
Letter to Speaker Pelosi on 25th Amendment Resolution from Mike Pence
Statement from Rep. John Katko
Liz Cheney: I will vote to Impeach the President
November 12, 2020
Would you like to join the Topsfield Democratic Town Committee in postcard writing to unregistered African American, Asian American, and Latino voters in collaboration with the New Georgia Project to encourage voter participation in the Georgia runoff races?
The DTC will be purchasing postcards and stamps. We just need your help with writing them! Please email us and let us know how many postcards you will commit to writing so we know how many to order. We will get in touch with you when the postcards arrive and provide you with all you need to get started.
UPDATE - November 17: Thanks to your enthusiastic response, the TDTC has received commitments from community members to send out 1,500 postcards in support of this project!
We will not be taking any more orders, but if anyone still wants to help in some way, please let us know. The deadline for getting the postcards in the mail is November 24.
October 13, 2020
The Topsfield DTC has some Biden/Harris lawn signs that need a home.
Please submit your request to contact@topsfielddems.org, including your address and whether we may stake it on your front lawn or leave it at a designated location. Also let us know if you are able to contribute to cover the $7 cost of the sign, or a little more.
October 2, 2020
The Sixth District Unites, which premieres on the YouTube page on Tuesday, October 6th at 7:00 PM, will feature personal messages of unity and hope from more than 16 state and national Democratic leaders. The goal is to bring candidates together to inspire victory in November.
Organized by 20+ Democratic Committees and activist groups in the 6th district, the event is based roughly on the State-by-State Roll Call at the Democratic National Convention this summer. It will introduce and celebrate candidates and officeholders who represent the district, and encourage voters to "WATCH, ACT, VOTE" in the final campaign push to Election Day.
"The sixth district Congressional primary was a bruising three-way race," said David Belsky, Co-chair of the West Newbury Democratic Town Committee. The organizers wanted to unite candidates after that primary and thank the competitors for their willingness to serve. The concept expanded to include Democratic state legislative candidates and party leaders.
"This was not only a chance to unite the candidates, but unify our Democratic Committees," according to Belsky. "It's not often that so many organizations can work together so closely toward a common goal."
The planners hope the event will be informative and uplifting at a time when most voters could use that type of inspiration.
To view the event, which will premiere at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6th, go to http://bit.ly/MA-6Unites. The Sixth District Unites will remain on YouTube for viewing through Election Day.
More information on the event and the participating candidates.
October 1, 2020
Read her letter in this week's Chronicle & Transcript or Wicked Local-Topsfield.
September 22, 2020
Jeanne Pickering, a Topsfield Democratic Committee member, has outlined some conservative reasons for voting for Joe Biden in the following essay.
September 21, 2020
In many states, early voting has already begun. Massachusetts will conduct in-person early voting October 17-30.Topsfield's ballot will include:
The Topsfield DTC has not officially endorsed Ranked Choice Voting, but voters may find this video informative.
September 13, 2020
Cindy Mapes, friend of Vice Chair, Joel Hariton, shares a song she and collaborators Jan Maier and Mary Dewart wrote called "Build Back Better". They chose the title and theme before Democratic Presidential nominee, Joe Biden, but each deserves to be shared as a call to join together to build a better future.
August 12,2020
The North Shore Committee of the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus is hosting a Zoom webinar:
"The 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage: A Conversation about the Future"
August 17, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM. Click here to register.
August 8, 2020
If you plan to vote by mail, and you've returned your application to the Topsfield Town Clerk, look for your ballot to arrive soon! Contact the Topsfield Town Clerk for more information about mail-in voting and in-person early voting August 22-28.
It is recommended that you use a black Sharpie to mark your ballot since it will be processed through the voting machine as usual.A black pen will also work, but blue ink is not recommended. Remember, you can return your ballot to Town Hall using the secure drop-box next to the historic front door. Click here to track your ballot.
The last date to vote in the Democratic Primary is September 1. You have choices to make. Are you ready?
For US Senate:
For US House of Representatives (6th District):July 26, 2020
A coalition of 15 organizations representing communities in Northern Essex County is pleased to announce that Seth Moulton, Jamie Belsito, and Angus McQuilken, will be challenged on local and nationwide issues in a debate premiering on August 5th at 7:00 PM.
This debate will be available to watch on YouTube or your local cable access channel. As details are still fluid, please go to bit.ly/MA-6Debate for full viewing options.
Don't miss this chance to see which candidate will best represent us in Congress during these challenging times.
#MA06DEBATES
July 24, 2020
Incumbents, Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton, are each being challenged in the Democratic primary.
Registered Democrats and those unaffiliated with any party may request a Democratic Ballot in person at the polls on September 1, or by mail with the 2020 Vote by Mail Application. (Early in-person voting is scheduled for August 22-28.)
If you were registered to vote as of July 1, you should have received your postcard Official 2020 Vote by Mail Application, which is return-addressed to Topsfield Town Clerk, postage pre-paid. You may also:
If you intend to vote by mail, please return this application as soon as possible. Plan ahead for turn-around time for the Town Clerk to process the application and mail you a ballot. The Town Clerk must then receive your voted ballot by September 1.
July 16, 2020
The Swampscott, Nahant and Marblehead Democratic Town Committees invite you to join us Sunday, August 2 at 7:30 PM. Our Tri-Town Committees are pleased to sponsor the first Congressional debate ahead of the Sept. 1 Primary. All three of our Congressional candidates, Rep. Seth Moulton, Angus McQuilken, and Jamie Zahlway Belsito, will debate the issues that are of great importance to our CD 6 voters.
The candidates and moderator, Jim Peterson, will be on site at the Nahant Town Hall and filmed by Nahant's cable TV, without an audience. The debate will be live streamed on YouTube. Jim Walsh, Chair of the Nanhant DTC is working with local cable TV to provide access to our communities, even if it is re-airing with a link that we provide.
We hope to have an interesting, informative debate, which illuminates differences in perspectives and approaches to problem solving the challenges we face. Questions can be submitted to Nahant.6thcd.CongressionalDebate@gmail.com
Mark your calendars!
The Topsfield DTC will be part of a 15-organization-sponsored debate on August 5. Two other debates are scheduled for August 13 and August 18. More details to follow.
July 8, 2020
We all know how important voter participation is in any election. Voter turnout in Topsfield has ranged from less than 25% to more than 70% of registered voters.
In response to concerns about voting at polling places during the COVID-19 pandemic, a law was passed allowing vote by mail for the September 1 Primary and November 3 General Elections. You can download an application here.
Visit the Secretary of State's COVID-19 Elections Updates page for more information about the law.
July 8, 2020
Watch this space for more details about a series of debates between incumbent Rep. Seth Moulton and his challengers, Jamie Belsito, and Angus McQuilken.
June 11, 2020
On September 1st the MA Democratic Primary will be held to determine the Democratic candidates for US Senate and for the Representative for the 6th Congressional District. Two Topsfield residents, Jamie Belsito and Angus McQuilken, are challenging the incumbent, Seth Moulton. The Topsfield Democratic Town Committee invites our residents to submit questions to contact@topsfielddems.org.
What role can the federal government play in addressing your concerns for your family and our community? We will submit your questions to the campaigns of the three candidates for US Representative. All submissions must be in the form of questions. The Committee reserves the right to review submissions for inappropriate comments that do not contribute to civil civic engagement.
We will post your questions, responses from the candidates as they become available, and links to candidate-related events here.
June 2, 2020
Please note that the date of the Topsfield Annual Town Meeting has been changed to Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 AM. The meeting will be held at Masconomet Regional High School, 20 Endicott Road, Boxford, MA. A link to the warrant and other information can be found here.
May 20, 2020
To participate in the Topsfield Town Election, voters may vote by mail if they prefer to avoid the polls on election day, June 25.
The Topsfield Town Clerk has posted details, including a link to the Early Ballot Application, and a link to a sample ballot.
The application is available online NOW for download.
The Town Clerk's office will be mailing paper Early Ballot Applications to every household in which there are registered voters prior to the mailing (which is anticipated to occur during week ended May 22). If Town Hall remains closed to the public, the Town Clerk encourages voters to adhere to the following dates to allow for timely processing of applications and ballots:
May 16, 2020
We all know how important voter participation is in any election. Voter turnout in Topsfield has ranged from less than 25% to more than 70% of registered voters.
COVID-19 has given voters an additional concern about turning out to vote at polling places this election season. While the MA legislature considers various election reform bills to implement voting by mail, the legislature has also clarified existing law regarding applying for, and voting by, absentee ballot.
Visit the Secretary of State's COVID-19 Elections Updates page to identify any new laws regarding voting options for local and state elections this year.
Our own Jamie Belsito and Angus McQuilken have launched campaigns for US House of Representatives to represent the 6th District. Links to their campaigns can be found here.
The three candidates will appear on the September 1 Primary Ballot. The winner will face a Republican challenger in the General Election on November 3rd.
The MA Democratic Convention has been cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19. Both candidates will be vying for your Primary vote on September 1. The winner will face a Republican challenger in the General Election on November 3rd.
April 11, 2020
On April 11, 2020, the Topsfield DTC met via Zoom and reorganized our committee. Our committee grew to 16 elected members on Presidential Primary Day, March 3rd. Heidi Fox, re-elected Chair, is grateful for our newly elected Vice-Chair Joel Hariton and Secretary Jackie Cassiday, and re-elected Treasurer, Chris Ruggles. You can read about our members here.
With this reorganization, we are launching our new website. We hope to inform and engage the Topsfield community with this endeavor.
There were 4,547 registered voters in Topsfield, and 49.7% turned out on March 3rd. Of those who voted, 76% took a Democratic ballot to select the candidate of their choice. Former Vice President Joe Biden was the winner in Topsfield and is now the presumptive nominee to face Donald Trump in the General Election on November 3rd.
April 11, 2020
Candidates seeking State-wide and Federal Congressional offices need you to sign their nomination papers! May 5th is the last day for campaigns to submit their nomination papers to Topsfield's Registrar of Voters for certification of signatures. Massachusetts's COVID-19 stay-at-home advisory has not changed this deadline and there is no indication that the legislature will address this. Candidates are getting creative, and mailing nomination papers to individuals. Watch social media and your mailbox! Support their efforts to secure a place on the ballot.
UPDATE 4/17/20: A MA SJC ruling will allow candidates to collect signatures electronically. You can see all the updates to the nomination process here.
