Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election: Key Dates, Open Seats, and Why It Matters
Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election: Why Your Participation Matters
The Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election is more than a date on the calendar. It is one of the most direct ways residents can shape decisions that affect everyday life in town — from schools and public health to land use, recreation, and local leadership.
Recent voter participation shows why awareness matters. During the April 2025 Annual Town Election, Blackstone had 7,956 eligible voters, but only 1,184 ballots were cast, resulting in a 15% voter turnout.
That means a relatively small portion of the community helped decide who would serve in roles that influence taxes, schools, development, public health policies, and town services. These elected officials help drive decisions that directly affect residents’ interests.
The town election offers an opportunity for more voices to be heard — and that starts with knowing the process and the key dates.
Nomination Papers Now Available for the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election
Nomination papers for the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election are now available as of Thursday, January 15, 2026, through the Town Clerk’s Office.
Residents interested in running for local office must complete nomination papers, collect the required number of signatures, and return the papers by:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM
All completed and signed nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office by the deadline.
Positions on the Ballot
This year’s election includes several important leadership positions that guide how the town operates and plans for the future:
- One member of the Board of Assessors (3-year term)
- One BMR District School Committee member (Blackstone Representative, 4-year term)
- One BMR District School Committee member (Millville Representative, 4-year term)
- One member of the Board of Health (3-year term)
- One Moderator (3-year term)
- Two members of the Parks & Recreation Commission (3-year terms)
- One member of the Planning Board (5-year term)
- Two members of the Board of Selectmen (3-year terms)
These positions play a role in shaping policies, budgets, services, and long-term planning for the town.
Current Terms Expiring
As part of the regular election cycle, several current terms are scheduled to expire ahead of the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election. This information is based on publicly available details from the town’s official website and reflects the normal rotation of local offices.
Known expiring terms include:
- Board of Selectmen: Daniel Keefe (Chairman) and Mary Bulso (Member)
- Planning Board: Michael Savard (Member)
- Board of Health: Joshua J. Ryan (Chairman)
These expiring terms help explain why certain seats will appear on the ballot this April. More importantly, they serve as a reminder that local government is designed to evolve with the community. Each election cycle creates space for reflection, fresh ideas, continued service, and new voices — all shaped by resident participation in the Election.
Whether you follow town government closely or are just beginning to pay attention, understanding these transitions is one more way to stay informed and engaged in the decisions that help shape Blackstone’s future.
Signature Requirements for Candidates
To appear on the ballot in the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Town offices: A minimum of 34 signatures from registered Blackstone voters
- Regional School Committee: A minimum of 35 signatures from either town or a combination of both towns
Candidates for the Blackstone-Millville Regional District School Committee must also file a notarized Statement of Candidacy with the Town Clerk’s Office in the town where they reside.
Important Dates to Know
Knowing these dates is important — because you can make a difference by running, supporting a candidate, or simply showing up to vote.
Key dates for the Blackstone Election include:
- Nomination papers available: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Last day to file nomination papers: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Last day to withdraw nomination papers: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- First day for political lawn signs: Monday, March 9, 2026
- Last day to register to vote: Friday, March 27, 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Last day to apply for Vote by Mail: Monday, March 30, 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Election Day: Monday, April 6, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Vote by Mail Options
Vote by Mail applications for the 2026 calendar year are now available.
Residents may:
- Obtain paper applications through the Town Clerk’s Office
- Apply online through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
The last day to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot for the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Why Voting and Participation Matter in the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election
Local elections often have lower turnout than state or national races, but their impact is deeply personal. Officials elected during the Election help decide:
- How town funds are spent
- How schools are governed
- How land is developed or preserved
- How public health issues are addressed
- How parks, recreation, and community programs are supported
Whether you choose to run for office, help collect signatures, encourage neighbors to vote, or cast a ballot yourself, participation strengthens local democracy.
Looking Ahead: Showing Up
The Town Election is about more than improving a turnout percentage. It is about showing up for the town you live in and the community you share with your neighbors.
Local elections are where residents have the greatest opportunity to make a real impact. These are the leaders who help shape school decisions, public health priorities, land use, town services, and long-term planning. When more people participate, those decisions better reflect the full range of voices, experiences, and values within the community.
Participation can take many forms. Some residents may choose to run for office. Others may support candidates, learn about platforms, help spread accurate information, or have thoughtful conversations about the issues that matter most to them. And for many, participation simply means taking the time to vote.
Every one of these actions strengthens local democracy. The Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election is an opportunity for residents to engage at whatever level feels right to them — and to help shape the future of the town in meaningful ways.
At Small Town Post, our mission is to inform, connect, and empower our community by making local news clear, accessible, and relevant. Coverage of the Blackstone 2026 Annual Town Election reflects our belief that informed residents help build stronger, more engaged towns.
If you have election updates, candidate announcements, or community information to share, we welcome tips and submissions anytime. And be sure to follow Small Town Post on Facebook, where we regularly post local news, important dates, and community updates.
Because change starts locally — and in Blackstone, it starts with you.
