Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 18, 2024 Town will hold free COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic for Saugus residents next week T own Manager Scott Crabtree and Director of Public Health John Fralick announced this week that the town will hold a COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the newly refurbished Saugus Town Hall Auditorium. The clinic is open to Saugus residents only, according to CAMPAIGN | FROM PAGE 1 5 Presidential Election. But with a hotly contested presidential race this year, there’s enough on the ballot to stir great interest among town voters who choose to exercise their early In-Person Voting rights tomorrow – 18 days before the election. Voting will take place from a press release issued by the town manager’s office. “The latest Pfizer COVID-19 booster and seasonal flu vaccine will be available, at no charge to residents. Free COVID-19 tests will also be available for residents. Walkins are welcome for the clinic. No pre registration is required,” the press release said. “The town asks that those 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the library at 295 Central St. Residents who come to cast their vote early should use the Taylor Street entrance. The ballot highlights The two-page official specimen ballot includes: · A showdown between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net attending the clinic bring their health insurance or Medicare cards with them. Residents can still receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines if they don’t have their insurance or Medicare cards upon arrival,” it stated. “The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that people stay up to date with COVID-19 and · A race for the U.S. Senate, with Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren seeking another six year term over Republican Challenger John Deaton. · Five ballot questions, including several controversial ones. Question 1, if approved, would authorize the state auditor to audit the state Legislature. The measure initiated by Diana DiZoglio received no vote from the Senate or House of Representatives. Question 2, if passed, would eliminate passing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in mathematics, science, technology and English in order to receive a high school diploma. Question 3, if passed, would provide Transportation Network Drivers with the right to form unions and to collectively bargain with Transportation Network Companies. Question 4, if passed, would allow people 21 and older to grow, possess and use certain flu vaccines in order to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious illness. MassDPH advises that everyone 6 months and older should receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting serinatural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. Question 5, if passed, would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker over the course of five years, from 64 percent of the state minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2025, to 100 percent of the state minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2029. · Essex County Clerk of Courts Thomas Driscoll, Jr., a Democrat seeking reelection in a race contested by two challengers: Todd R. Angilly, an unenrolled candidate from Lynnfield, and Doris V. Rodriguez, an Independent candidate from Lawrence. · A race for the Registry of Deeds seat for the Essex Southern District between Eileen M. Duff, a Democrat from Gloucester, and Jonathan Edward Ring, a Rockport Republican. In-Person Voting can be an expensive option ously ill, being hospitalized, and dying from the virus.” Anyone seeking more COVID-19 vaccine information should contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) website. Residents can also call Saugus Director of Public Health Fralick at 781-231-4120 with any questions about the clinic. Saugus Town Clerk Schena noted that from a financial standpoint In-Person voting can cost more per voter than voting absentee or Early Mailin Voting. “Election workers make $15 an hour. Three people work 8-hour days for six days and there’s over-time for the regular staff,” Schena said. “There’s also building maintenance before and after the voting period in the library. Police officers may be called in to work a detail on Saturdays,” she said. The state does give some money back to communities for municipal costs related to In-Person Early voting, according to Schena. Schena said there’s also a situation in which voters may vote absentee in addition to In-Person Early Voting, which is usually caught by a system of checks and balances, but the task of finding duplicate votes does contribute to increased resources, Schena said. Many more citizens who don’t vote on Election Day are inclined to vote by Mailin Early Voting and Absentee voting than by In-Person Early Voting, according to Schena. “Last month, we mailed out close to 4,000 Early Voting and Absentee mail-in ballots, and we got back just under 1,600,” Schena said. “For the March Presidential Primary, we mailed out about 3,700 ballots and got back just under 1,600 back,” she said. Schena said that she has no problem with the In-Person Early Voting process for general or presidential elections. She recalled that initially in 2016, In-Person Early Voting lasted only a week and had more restrictions in place. “COVID changed all of that in 2020,” Schena said. “It went to two weeks with fewer restrictions. And they CAMPAIGN | SEE PAGE 3
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