TURNERS FALLS — Deb Bourbeau, the Montague town clerk, has released several state rules regarding the upcoming town election, regarding the nonbinding referendum on the Turners Falls High School’s former mascot, the Indians.
Bourbeau said there’s certain state laws that prohibit campaigning within 150 feet of a polling place. Since the referendum is about the school’s mascot, voters are barred from wearing clothing, buttons, hats and any representation of the former mascot inside the mandatory 150 foot “influence free zone.”
“If you plan to display your position on Election Day concerning any candidate or question appearing on the ballot, please be prepared to either remove the item or cover up the display while in the polling place and 150 feet of the polling place,” Bourbeau said in a press release.
Those within 150 feet may not wear anything that has the words “Turners Falls Indian” or “Indian” or similar names or logos like the Washington Redskins or the Cleveland Indians. They also may not wear “alternative logos” like a circle with a slash over the image of a Native American with or without text, according to the release.
The town said that outside of the 150-foot influence free zone, all peaceful campaigning will be allowed, with the only limitation being any reasonable public safety requirements.
Bourbeau said that poll workers will be monitoring the zones and will ask anyone wearing campaign gear to remove it or cover it up with a jacket. Those who do not cooperate will be asked to leave.
“We have every expectation that the registered voters of this town will be respectful of each other’s opinions and positions on the ballot question,” Bourbeau said. “With that mind, we anticipate that any instances that arise concerning these issues will be resolved swiftly and cooperatively.”
Reach Miranda Davis
at 413-772-0261, ext. 280
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