To every volunteer who gave their time, heart, and energy... thank you.
To every voter who took a stand for Stoneham's future... thank you.
To every supporter who believed this was possible... thank you.
Your work mattered. Your voice mattered. Your vote mattered.
Election day is December 9th!
Make a plan to Vote YES & YES
Every vote matters. In April's override election, the measure lost by just 523 votes. Don't let that happen again. Make a plan to vote today!
About the Ballot
The ballot is set for Tuesday, December 9th, 2025. Stoneham voters will decide between two Proposition 2½ override options.
Question 1: $12.5M
Question 1: Shall the Town of Stoneham be allowed to assess an additional $12,500,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding public safety, education, council on aging, public works, library and general government expenses for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026?
- Avoids catastrophic cuts, restores key positions and essential services, helps plan for Stoneham's future.
- Reflects recommendation of Override Study Committee.
- Restores Library and Senior Center services.
- Adequately funds School programs and curriculum; supports recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers.
- Increases DPW staffing and brings Fire and Police staffing closer to minimum standards.
Question 2: $9.3M
Question 2: Shall the Town of Stoneham be allowed to assess an additional $9,300,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding public safety, education, council on aging, public works, library and general government expenses for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026?
- Avoids catastrophic cuts to town services.
- Restores some recent Police and Fire staff cuts.
- Restores recent DPW staff cuts; adds 3 new staff.
- Positions Library to maintain certification.
- Keeps the Senior Center open with reduced services.
- Does not fully fund our Schools.
The highest override amount that gets more YES votes than NO votes wins. Only ONE override amount can pass. Voting YES for $12.5M and YES for $9.3M gives us the best chance at saving our Stoneham! Voting NO puts Stoneham's future and stability at serious risk.
No override will devastate services across Stoneham. Schools will lay off teachers and cut course offerings and programs - we will fail to provide adequate education to Stoneham's children. DPW, Police, and Fire will lay off staff. Library and Senior Center risk closure. This also jeopardizes Recreation and Ice Arena operations--any service not mandated by law. The town could enter receivership, meaning the state--not Stoneham residents--will make the decisions.
Who Can Vote?
All registered voters in Stoneham, including renters and non-property owners, may vote in the special election (and all elections.) All community members, including those who indirectly pay property taxes through rent, have a voice in decisions that affect town services and their quality of life.
In the last override election, renters were significantly underrepresented--only 14% voted compared to 40% of property owners. Renters make up a vital part of our community, and your vote ensures that all perspectives are heard on decisions affecting schools, safety, and services.
Voter Registration
⚠️ The deadline to register for this election has passed (November 29th at 5:00 PM).
You can check your voter registration status online to confirm you're ready to vote on December 9th.
How to vote
In-Person Voting on Election Day
Vote in person on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Stoneham Town Hall, 35 Central Street.
Note: In-person early voting will NOT be available for this special election.
Mail-In Ballot Information
⚠️ The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed (December 2nd).
If you already requested your ballot, you may still mail it back or drop it off at Town Hall before election day.
Absentee Ballot Information
⚠️ The deadline to vote absentee in this election has passed (December 8th at 12:00 PM).
Important: In-person early voting will NOT be available for this special election. If you can't vote on December 9th, you can fill out an absentee ballot in person at the Town Clerk's office until Monday, December 8th at 12:00 PM.
The Town Clerk's office is located on the first floor of Stoneham Town Hall at 35 Central Street.
| Hours of Operation | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM to 4 PM (Note: Absentee Voting closes at 12 PM on Monday, December 8th) |
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to Noon |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
