Upcoming Elections on September 1

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
  South Hadley High School, 153 Newton St | 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
  In-person voting for all precincts
    –Aug 22: Last day to register to vote
    –Aug 22: First Day of in-person Early Voting at Town Clerk’s office
    –Aug 25: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot

• 2026 State Primary Election
  In Massachusetts, registered voters may choose to enroll in a political party, enroll with a political designation or choose to be an unenrolled voter (independent) and cast a primary ballot for any party. For details: MA Secretary of State Office.
  —Offices on the ballot: Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, State Governor’s Council, State Senator, State Representative
  
  
• South Hadley Special Election
  Local voters will decide on a $3.5m override to support essential town services. An online calculator is available to show the annual impact for local properties:
  www.southhadley.org/1528/Proposition-25-Override-Information
  

Voter Resources

• South Hadley Election and Voting Information:
  www.southhadley.org/elections
• Check your registration and receipt of your ballot:
  www.VoteinMA.com
• When available, South Hadley sample ballots are posted at:
  www.southhadley.org/1088/Sample-Ballot

Why Vote for a Progressive?

Our latest newsletter, authored by SHDTC member Jim Bosman, discusses stands by progressive candidates on the economy, healthcare, and immigration that they hope will carry votes in the upcoming primary and general elections.

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter:
  Issue 93-Why Vote for a Progressive
  

1200+ Actions by ICE Documented

A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union explores the scale of civil rights violations committed by the US Department of Homeland Security / Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and police forces it has deputized.

• ACLU: Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Summary
• ACLU Research Report: Agents of Chaos and Cruelty (PDF)

Locally, Indivisible South Hadley has organized a peaceful standout-vigil from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at South Hadley Town Commons and along both sides of Route 116 to remember those who have died at the hands of ICE and shine a light in solidarity with mourning families on reckless killings and the need to hold the responsible agents accountable.

Independence Day Newsletter

How should we think about the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth during a time of tremendous threats to our democratic experiment? Read SHDTC member Jim Bosman's thoughts in our latest newsletter. 

The strength of our nation is We the People. Wishing you and all the important people in your lives a good 4th of July and semiquincentennial.

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter: We the People--July 1, 2026

Read Our Two June Newsletters!

Our Updates newsletter earlier this month introduced the recently formed South Hadley Indivisible chapter, which meets monthly at the public library. Periodic newsletters, along with those from South Hadley Dems, help to keep area residents apprised of local happenings. If you're interested in learning more about the group, please email: swung-art-drum@duck.com.

Our latest edition has information about our food drive this Saturday (6/27/26) to benefit our local Neighbors Helping Neighbors food pantry. You can drive up and donate non-perishable food items from 9am to 12pm in the South Hadley High School parking lot at 153 Newton Street (please check expiration dates). Monetary donations are also very welcome. The attached newsletter contains additional information about food needs in our community.

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter:
  Issue 90-Introducing Indivisible South Hadley
• SHDTC Updates Newsletter:
  Issue 91-Addressing Food Insecurity in SH
  

Food Drive on Saturday, June 27, 2026

To help our local food pantry help our neighbors, we have committed to hosting two food drives each year, in February and June. Your support is much appreciated and we look forward to seeing you on June 27!

Food Drive for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry
Saturday, June 27, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm (rain or shine)
DRIVE UP AND DROP OFF!
South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street
Hosted by South Hadley Democratic Town Committee

All food and monetary donations are accepted (please make checks payable to Neighbors Helping Neighbors). Items most in demand include any and all feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, bar soap, pet food for cats and dogs (canned or dry), hot or cold cereal, soups, and canned meats such as Spam, corned beef hash, and beef stew. Please be sure to check expiration dates.

If you'd like to donate but can't make it to the High School on Saturday, food can be dropped off at the food pantry on Wednesdays before 12pm and Saturdays before 10am at Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry, 30 Carew Street (United Methodist Church), South Hadley, MA 01075. 

June 16 South Hadley Override Public Forum

The public is encouraged to join the South Hadley Selectboard on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00pm for a public forum on a Proposition 2.5 Override vote slated for September 1, 2026 in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Primary Election. To learn more and provide input about the proposed override, residents may attend in person at the South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton Street, South Hadley or online via Zoom (https://tinyurl.com/overrideSH).

A beautiful day for MiniGolf!

Thanks to all of our 2026 MiniGolf Classic sponsors, and everyone who came to play and eat home-made ice cream at McCray's Farm in South Hadley. The event offered a wonderful opportunity to visit with elected officials and get to know candidates and their presence was much appreciated. It was a perfect day for families to enjoy a fun day outdoors! 

On Mother's Day

Our Mother's Day newsletter by SHDTC member Susan Newton describes the origins of Mother's Day in the post-Civil War peace movement, and reflects on the Trump administration's current war with Iran in the context of her own family's experiences with war. 

We wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day 2026 and most of all, a hope for peace for them and their children.

SHDTC Updates Newsletter: Issue 89-On Mother's Day

Renee Sweeney at MHCVotes!

Our latest newsletter includes remarks by SHDTC member Renee Sweeney at an event on the South Hadley Town Commons on Sunday, April 26. The event was organized by a nonpartisan student group at Mount Holyoke College, MHCVotes!, to bring attention to the importance of voting and engaging in local politics. In addition to South Hadley Selectboard member Renee Sweeney, speakers included State Sen. Jake Oliveira, State Rep. Homar Gómez, and Governor's Councilor Tara Jacobs.

Interest in civic engagement by youth is on the rise, including in South Hadley. Voting by U.S. citizens aged 18-29 rose from 39% in the 2016 presidential election to 47% in 2024. Eligible MHC students may vote in South Hadley using their campus address unless they choose to maintain registration in their home state. High school students may pre-register to vote beginning at age 16. As the speakers at the MHCVotes! event demonstrated, civic engagement at an early age can lead to a life dedicated to community and public service.

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter: Issue 88-Renee Sweeney MHCVotes!
• Town Reminder: May 1, 2026 issue