The unglamorous work of democracy

In our latest Updates newsletter, SHDTC member Jim Bosman reflects on the September 1 Election Day results and the hard work by so many on behalf of candidates and positions they supported. Whatever we think about the outcomes in the State Primary Election and the override question in South Hadley's Special Town Election, the results show that people participated and voted in significant numbers, and that's a positive sign for our democracy.

• SHDTC Updates_96_Primary 2026
• South Hadley: 9/1/26-Unofficial Results-State Primary and Special Town Elections 

Upcoming Events

September 1, 2026 Primary Election and Special Town Election (override question). All precincts vote at South Hadley High School; polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.

SHDTC Business Meetings
Schedule for Thursdays at 6:30pm, September 17, October 15, and November 19 in the South Hadley Library Trustee's Conference Room. SHDTC meetings are normally held on third Thursdays and are hybrid-online; participants may attend in-person in the Trustees Room at the Library or online via Zoom. To obtain a Zoom meeting link, to join our mailing list, or for other information about SHDTC, please email: southhadleydemocrats@gmail.com.

First Friday Breakfast Gatherings
The next Friday morning get-together will be held at 8:30am on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Gaylord Library, 47 Newton Street, South Hadley.  Please try to arrive by 8:15am so we can get our refreshments to begin on time and be out before the library opens at 10:00am. Conversation is casual, there is no set agenda, just a chance to talk about local, national, and international affairs and join in community with others, Democrat or not. Coffee and light snacks will be available (donations appreciated), and all are welcome. Plan to join us at at the Gaylord this month and save these dates for future First Fridays (location TBD): October 2, November 6, and December 4.

November 3, 2026 General Election--Ballot Question Information:

• Northampton: Panel presentation about ballot questions 3, 5, and 7 on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Northampton High School (location subject to change). Sponsored by the Northampton Democratic City Committee, Southampton Democratic Town Committee, and Northampton Youth Commission. Two presenters will represent opposing views for each of the three questions. To Register for the event: RSVP here; To Submit a Question for a panelist in advance, use this link.
• South Hadley: Know Your Town will host a ballot question forum on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 6:00pm at in the Community Room at the South Hadley Senior Center. Organizers will have Yes/No speakers for most questions. 
  

September 1 Primary and Special Elections

Our latest newsletter is an opinion piece entitled "We Can't Afford to Wait Any Longer," by DTC member and writer Jim Bosman about the importance of voting "Yes" on the $3.5M override question in front of our town. While many SHDTC members support the override for the reasons cited by Jim, no vote was taken on the issue by our membership. Hence, this Update doesn't necessarily represent a consensus view of all members

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter: Issue 95-Override (Opinion)
  
  

 

The Special Town Election for the override is scheduled in conjunction with the MA Primary Election on September 1. Mail-in Primary and Special Election ballots need to arrive at Town Hall no later than 8pm on Election Day, so they should be mailed early this week. Ballot envelopes can also be placed in the Town's secure drop box located behind Town Hall, by the Police Station. Polls are open at the high school on Sept. 1 from 7am-8pm for in-person voting. All the information you need to vote, including early in-person voting at Town Hall, is available HERE.

Democratic Primary candidates on August 20

Our monthly meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, will begin with a brief, 30-minute business meeting at 6:15pm, followed by a Candidate Forum at 6:45pm. SHDTC members may attend in person or via Zoom, and are asked to arrive on time so our guest candidates can begin promptly at 6:45pm.

The Democratic candidates from western MA running for two contested offices (District 8 Governor's Council and MA-01 US Representative in Congress) in the September 1 Democratic Primary Election have been invited to address our meeting. At 6:45pm, the candidates who have responded to our invitation will each have 15 minutes to speak. 

The August 20 candidate schedule is:

• 6:45pm: Michael Fenton, Candidate for Governor's Council, District 8 (via Zoom)

• 7:00pm: Tara Jacobs, Candidate for re-election to Governor's Council District 8 (In-person and via Zoom)

• 7:15pm: Jeromie Whalen, Candidate for MA-01 US Representative in Congress (In-person and via Zoom)
  

The August 20 meeting will be held in a hybrid format, online via Zoom and in-person in the Trustees Conference Room at South Hadley Public Library. As this is a smaller meeting room that is set up to accommodate hybrid-online meetings, SHDTC friends and interested voters who would like to hear from the candidates should plan to attend via Zoom, as in-person space is limited. For the Zoom meeting link, please email us at southhadleydemocrats@gmail.com.

Hamp County Democratic Candidates Forum

Monday, August 10 at 6:00pm | Doors open at 5:30pm
Easthampton High School, 70 Williston Avenue
Free and open to the public

A Primary Election forum organized collaboratively by Democratic Town Committees in Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, South Hadley, Southampton, and Worthington will take place at 6pm on Monday, August 10 at Easthampton High School. All potential voters are encouraged to attend!

 

Democratic candidates in the September 1, 2026 state Democratic Primary Election for the U.S. Representative and Governor’s Council competitive races have been invited to present their campaigns and answer questions. Other candidates running for election in Hampshire County will also have an opportunity to introduce themselves. The moderated portion will be followed by a candidate meet and greet.

 

The forum is designed to help voters learn more about those running for office, and to bring together candidates from across the county for a structured discussion. The event will allow voters to compare perspectives across races in a single, accessible setting.

For more information and to RSVP (which helps us to plan), visit:
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/999079

SHDTC Updates is now on Substack!

This summer, we've started moving our free Updates Newsletter to Substack. During the transition we'll continue to forward the newsletter to our mailing lists. If you'd like to continue to receive it by email, please visit our Substack page to subscribe. For now, we'll also continue to post a PDF of the newsletter in the archive on our website, though we anticipate that eventually Substack will be the main place to find our newsletter.

• South Hadley Dems on Substack: https://southhadleydems.substack.com
  

Our August 5, 2026 newsletter, authored by SHDTC member Jim Bosman, focuses on the upcoming state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. In South Hadley, residents will also be voting again on a tax override, this time in the amount of $3.5 million. While higher property taxes are on no one's wish list, it's clear that our community will suffer significant losses without additional funding. Our votes are important, so please plan to participate in these important elections!

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
  

Come Play Mini-Golf on May 16!

Community and area residents are invited to attend a mini-golf fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Stony Falls Miniature Golf and Country Creamery at McCray’s Farm (55 Alvord St., South Hadley; www.facebook.com/McCraysFarm).

Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, and include unlimited play during the event and a one-scoop cone or cup of McCray’s homemade ice cream (or $3.25 toward another food purchase). In case of a rainout, tickets may be redeemed for one round of mini-golf and a 1-scoop cone or dish of ice cream (or $3.25 toward other food purchase) through June 30, 2026.

Proceeds will help fund various events and causes sponsored by the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee, including a twice-annual food drive and support for Democratic candidates for state and national political office.

Support from hole sponsors also helps to fund free tickets for deserving families from the greater South Hadley area to enjoy a fun day of mini-golf and some of McCray’s famous home-made ice cream. 

For more information or to order tickets in advance, email us at southhadleydemocrats@gmail.org, or follow us on Facebook (facebook/SouthHadleyDTC) or Instagram (instagram.com/southhadleydems).

Save Mass Save

Our latest Updates newsletter contributed by SHDTC member Mary Jane Else, draws on information supplied by the Massachusetts Climate Action Network. The newsletter notes that the energy affordability recently passed by the MA House (H.5175) reduces funding for the Mass Save program, an energy efficiency program that provides millions of dollars in gas and electric incentives annually to our Senate district. 

Now that the legislation has moved on the the MA Senate, Mary Jane asks residents to contact Sen. Jake Oliveira's office in support of restoring the funding and addressing the issue of unneeded gas infrastructure. Contact information for the senator's office can be found in the newsletter. 

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter: Issue 87-Save Mass Save

Upcoming Events

Our next business meeting is Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:30pm in the South Hadley Library Trustee's Conference Room. SHDTC meetings are normally held on third Thursdays and are hybrid-online; participants may attend in-person in the Trustees Room at the Library or online via Zoom. To obtain a Zoom meeting link, to join our mailing list, or for other information about SHDTC, please email: southhadleydemocrats@gmail.com.

First Friday Breakfast Gatherings
The next two Friday morning get-togethers will be held at 8:30am on Friday, May 1 and Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Gaylord Library, 47 Newton Street, South Hadley. Conversation is casual, there is no set agenda, just a chance to talk about local, national, and international affairs and join in community with others, Democrat or not. Coffee and light snacks will be available, and all are welcome. Plan to join us at at the Gaylord!

SHDTC Mini-Golf Classic
Plan to join us on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at McCray's Farm from 10am-2pm for our biennial mini-golf fundraiser. Anyone can sponsor a hole sign, and it's a great way for candidates to show support. Individual sponsors can choose signs in support of a candidate or create their own meaningful messages for colorful, 2-sided 18x24 signs with stands that are designed to be used and displayed right through election day and beyond. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy play with family and friends during tournament hours, and each ticket includes a dish or cone of McCray's homemade ice cream. Sponsors have the option of donating their tickets to provide a fund outing for deserving families in the South Hadley area. For details, see: secure/actblue.com/donate/minigolfclassic, or email us at: southhadleydemocrats@gmail.com.

Override: Effect on Libraries

South Hadley values its libraries, as evidenced by our investment in a beautiful new facility just over a decade ago. This newsletter authored by SHDTC friend and South Hadley Public Library Trustee Lanette Sweeney, outlines the potential impacts on our libraries without additional revenue from an override. 

As the Town budget for the coming year doesn't fund our libraries at the level required by the state, library decertification could impact residents' access to the resources of other libraries, either through direct borrowing or interlibrary loans. Last year, our patrons borrowed over 23,000 items, which would have cost over $345,000 to purchase. We also would lose access to state funding through library grants, which over the past decade has provided almost $250,000 to our libraries. The Minimum Required Appropriation from the Town's budget for our libraries to remain certified this coming year is $856,802, but the most our current proposed budget can provide is $773,154.

Based on the experiences of other decertified libraries, the climb back to state certification, and to "catching up" with new systems and technologies in the interim, can take years.

• SHDTC Updates Newsletter: Issue 86-Override-Libraries