Greenland Town and School Elections: What Voters Need to Know

Greenland, New Hampshire, is gearing up for its upcoming town and school elections set for Tuesday, March 12th. With various crucial decisions on the ballot, including town and school budgets, Select Board and School Board candidates, residents need to be informed about the process.

For Greenland residents who wish to cast their vote, the polling station will be at Greenland Central School at 70 Post Road, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voter registration can be completed at the town clerk’s office during regular business hours or on the day of the election.

Those intending to vote in Greenland need to meet specific criteria including age over 18, U.S. citizenship, and residency in the town. Registration will require proof of these conditions and a valid photo ID, commonly a New Hampshire driver’s license with a Greenland address.

Voters unable to visit the polls due to work, illness, religious observance, or travel can request an absentee ballot through the town clerk’s office. Absentee ballots must be submitted in person by 5 p.m. the day before the election or by mail until 5 p.m. on Election Day.

The town election ballot in Greenland features four contested races for various town offices along with 21 articles to be voted on. The Select Board race sees candidates Heather Droesch, Zack Pike, and Stephan Toth vie for a three-year term.

In addition to the Select Board candidates, voters can choose representatives for the Planning Board including Philip Dion, Morris Goodman, John McDevitt, and Bob Dion. There are also four contenders competing for three spots on the Budget Committee: Todd Cadle, Bob Kraskko, Brian Midura, and Michael Bilodeau.

Noteworthy articles on the Greenland ballot include Article 18 which proposes rescinding the SB2 form of government, shifting back to a traditional town meeting format. Town Administrator Paul Sanderson and Town Clerk Marge Morgan highlighted key articles like 7, 11, 13, and the town budget.

Article 3 seeks approval for a town operating budget exceeding $6.7 million, with a default budget of $6 million in case of rejection. Articles 7 and 11 focus on enhancing the Fire Department’s resources, while Article 13 addresses the possible discontinuation of the Budget Committee.

On the school board front, John Balboni and Scot Hopps, along with Douglas Wilson, are contending for two seats, with three articles featured on the school meeting ballot centering around the approval of the district’s operating budget and funds for various educational initiatives.

Greenland’s upcoming town and school elections are set to shape the future of the community, engaging residents in crucial decision-making processes for its governance and educational systems.