Welcome to the Fairhaven 2026 Election Information Page. This page is designed to provide residents with clear, accurate, and up-to-date information about local elections, candidates, voting deadlines, polling locations, and ballot questions affecting the Town of Fairhaven.
Civic participation plays an important role in shaping our community, and we encourage all eligible voters to stay informed and take part in the election process. Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, looking for important election dates, or researching candidates and issues, this page serves as a central resource for Fairhaven voters.
Please check back regularly as new information, announcements, and official election updates become available throughout the 2026 election season.
For voting and election resources please click here: Election Resources
Question:
Shall the acceptance by the Town of Fairhaven of Section 47 of Chapter 31 of the General Laws, placing the members of both the official and labor service of the Town of Fairhaven within the classified Civil Service be revoked?
Summary:
Pursuant to a ballot vote on February 2, 1953, Fairhaven police officers and Fairhaven firefighters are subject to Civil Service – Chapter 31 of Massachusetts General Laws. Acceptance of this ballot question would remove the rules and requirements of Civil Service in the hiring and administration of future police officers and firefighters. Existing officers will retain Civil Service protection as long as they occupy their current positions. Both the Administration and the Police and Fire Unions support leaving Civil Service.
A “YES” vote revokes the Town’s acceptance of Section 47 of Chapter 31 and removes the rules and requirements of Civil Service in the hiring and administration of future police officers and firefighters. Existing officers will retain Civil Service protections as long as they occupy their current positions.
A “NO” vote means no change to the the Town’s acceptance of Section 47 of Chapter 31.
Question 2
Shall the Town of Fairhaven be allowed to assess an additional $649,178 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of Public Safety Salaries and Wages: Fire Overtime; Community Services Salaries and Wages: Tourism Department Wages; Community Services Operating Expenses: Tourism Department Operating Expenses; Public Works Highway Wages and Education: Fairhaven Public Schools for the fiscal year beginning on July 1st, 2026?
Summary:
This ballot question asks voters whether the Town of Fairhaven should be allowed to temporarily raise property taxes above the limits set by Proposition 2½ for Fiscal Year 2027. The additional funding, totaling $649,178, would support several municipal services, including fire department overtime, tourism department wages and operating expenses, public works highway wages, and Fairhaven Public Schools. If approved, the override would increase real estate and personal property taxes to provide funding for these specific operational and staffing needs beginning July 1, 2026.
A “YES” vote allows the Town to assess an additional $649,178 in real estate and personal property taxes for the specified department budgets with appropriations as follows: $15,561 to Fire Overtime, $76,532 to Tourism Wages, $25,709 to Tourism Expenses; $50,000 to Highway Wages and $481,376 to Fairhaven Public Schools.
A “NO” vote means no additional increase in the tax levy beyond the automatic 2.5% increase, the budget in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article 8
Question 3
Shall An Act Relative to the Charter of the Town of Fairhaven be accepted?
Summary:
The state legislature has adopted Chapter 71 of the Acts of 2026 “An Act relative to the charter of the town of Fairhaven,” which provides that the proposed Charter for the Town of Fairhaven will take effect if approved by a majority of the voters at the election. If accepted, the Charter will consolidate and replace the provisions of various special acts that currently establish the government structure of the Town of Fairhaven. The Charter substantially retains the current government structure with a few exceptions. Significant changes include: roles of the Select Board and Town Administrator are clarified; the number of Planning Board members is changed from 8 to 9; the number of School Committee members is changed from 6 to 5.
What is a Charter? A Town Charter is a constitution for the town. It clarifies how a town government functions and operates, describes the basic laws, principles, powers and duties of a town. It explains the responsibilities of the Select Board, Town Administrator, Town Meeting, all Boards and Committees.
Why now? Fairhaven is governed by a series of bylaws enacted over a long period of time. A Town Charter provides clarity in government structure. It can also serve as a guide for Town Officials, employees and residents.
Does this replace the bylaws? In some cases yes, but in many cases the Charter is like a constitution with the bylaws as rules under the framework of the Charter.
Can the Charter be changed? Yes, provisions for review were included and the Town can seek amendments through the legislative process.
A “YES” vote approves and adoption of the charter.
A “NO” vote rejects the adoption of the charter.
Candidates
Select Board 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 2)
Miles F. Grant
Pamela Rogers Kuechler
Richard Francis Trapilo
Planning Board 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 2)
Kevin D. Grant
Sharon Marie Simmons Clancy
Mona Freedman Phillips
Planning Board 2 yr term
(vote for not more than 1)
Jennifer Isabel Cardoza
Andrew C. Panek
School Committee 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 2)
Erik W. Baumann
Donna LS McKenna
School Committee 1 yr term
(vote for not more than 1)
Michael Justin Sherman
Board of Public Works 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 2)
Brian Russell Wotton
Marcus David Ferro
Board of Health 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 1)
Justine Frezza
Commissioner of Trust Funds 3 yr term
(vote for not more than 1)
Lousise M. Ponte
Housing Authority 5 yr term
(vote for not more than 1)
Jacob Tyler Galary
