Town clerk Nancy Bozzato took a bow Monday after receiving praise from town councillors for her handling of the 2014 civic election.
But town’s returning officer told council’s committee of the whole, her department is already looking ahead to the 2018 municipal election.
Of particular concern is the accuracy of the electors list compiled by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). It does not hold an enumeration.
“It is difficult for MPAC to track when children of the property owner have moved to another municipality,” she said in a report.
“This results in names remaining on the list of eligible electors when, in fact, the individuals would not be eligible.”
She said the clerk’s staff will look for ways to enhance information from MPAC by checking lists of other town departments such as tax and water billing.
They may also contact apartment landlords to ensure tenant information is up to date.
In looking ahead to 2018, the department will consider mail-in balloting and internet voting. It will make recommendations in 2015 or 2016. It could affect equipment purchases.
Bozzato said clerks from various municipalities will get together to discuss election procedure concerns and MPAC.
Ward 3 Coun. Peter Papp suggested local municipalities “engage our university” in finding ways to increase voter turnout and an understanding of issues by potential candidates to improve the election process.
Pelham’s turnout for the 2014 election was 44.3% of the 13,820 eligible voters.
Ward 2 had the highest turnout with 48.76% or 2,165. Ward 1 had 40.42%, or 1,843 and Ward 3, 43.86% or 2,119.
