Haverhill city councilors, during a special meeting Monday night, approved a third polling location change—moving the voting place for Ward 2, Precinct 1 from Northpoint Bible College to the Hunking School Library.
Haverhill City Clerk Linda L. Koutoulas said the college requested the change as part of the adjustments it is making related to the coronavirus pandemic. Northpoint’s Dean of Enrollment David Munley, in a recent appearance on WHAV’s morning program, said the school reopened last week with 100 students living on campus this semester and another 50 students commuting.
As WHAV also reported early last week, two other polling places at senior housing complexes will be moved in order to ensure enough room for social distancing. Koutoulas, on behalf of the Board of Registrars of Voters, received City Council approval to change voting at Ward 1, Precinct 2 from 25 Washington Square to the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., and at Ward 7, Precinct 1, from Greystone Elderly Housing, South Webster Street, to Bradford Elementary School.
For voter convenience, Koutoulas said shuttle buses will be provided between the old and new voting locations.
Haverhill’s primary election takes place Tuesday, Sept. 1, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. State law requires that changes in voting locations must be approved at least 20 days before an election “if it is determined that the public convenience or public health would be better served.”