MELROSE — As of midweek, 17 Melrosians have expressed interest in running for office as the city gears up for an important election on November 4.
School Committeewoman Dorie Withey took out nomination papers for reelection on July 25. In that race she is joined by Sheri Leo of Florence Avenue and Melissa Holleran of West Hill Avenue. Leo look out papers on August 6, Holleran on August 8.
On August 11, Dionysios Kaskarelis of Walton Park took out nomination papers for one of the four Councilor-at-Large seats up for election this fall. He joins incumbent At-Large Councilors Ward Hamilton, Maya Jamaleddine and Ryan Williams, along with Woodland Avenue’s Jason Chen in that contest.
Also taking out nomination papers for City Council are Ward 1 incumbent Manjula Karamcheti; Jeffrey C. McNaught of Clifford Street in Ward 2; Christopher Park of Vinton Street and incumbent Robert Stewart of Trenton Street in Ward 3; incumbent Mark Garipay in Ward 4; incumbent Kimberly Vandiver of Crescent Street in Ward 5; incumbent Cal Finocchiaro in Ward 6; and Appleton Street’s Alex Rodriguez and incumbent Councilor Devin Romanul in Ward 7.
There is still plenty of time to get involved. The final day to obtain nomination papers is Friday, Sept. 12 at 12:30 p.m.
The last day and hour to submit nomination papers to the Registrars of Voters for signature certification is Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1 the list of candidates will be posted at 4 p.m. The next day, at 5 p.m., will be the last chance to object or withdraw from the election.
The important drawing for ballot position takes place on Friday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
The last day to register to vote in the November election will be Saturday, Oct. 25. The same day is the first day of Early Voting, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot (absentee or early) for the November election will be Wednesday, Oct. 29. The last day to vote early is Friday, Oct. 31.
Monday, Nov. 3 at noon is the last day and time to apply for in-person absentee ballots.
The election will take place at the Veterans Memorial Middle School gym from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition to choosing elected officials this fall, voters will be facing three questions concerning an override of Proposition 2 1/2.