To All Massachusetts Voters and Concerned Citizens across the United States

On June 9, 2026, the City of Easthampton Massachusetts held a proposition 2 ½ property tax override election. The time between when the override was requested and the actual election held was barely 50 days. The shortened timeframe and potentially a lack of adequate resources created a situation where errors were made in sending out mail in ballots, proper procedures were not followed in processing and securing mail in ballots that came in, and mistakes were made in turning away eligible voters on Election Day. Additionally, we believe that city officials used taxpayer funded resources to advocate for a yes Vote (to increase property taxes) on the ballot question.

Easthampton Active Citizens organized a recount petition that was successful and a recount was completed on July 2, 2026. The recount was a required step in the process; however, it could not address the concerns raised in the petition. What came out of the recount was information that proper procedures for handling mail in ballots were not followed.

The time to ensure our elections are secure is now before the general election in November. Easthampton Active Citizens, a bi-partisan group of local citizens, is embarking on a case with statewide implications for ensuring our elections are fair and secure. No Excuse Mail In voting jeopardizes the integrity of our elections. Outdated voter rolls impact the value of each individual vote as it exposes our elections to fraud. 

In Massachusetts and nationally, we have an epidemic of disengaged voters. The belief that elections are not secure and that their vote does not count due to potential fraud fuels that disengagement. The epidemic is compounded by the demonizing of anyone who speaks up. Multiple times in the last few years I have spoken with elders in my community who are afraid to express what they believe, who feel they cannot put out a lawn sign for fear of retaliation. No one in the United States should fear for their safety if they express a political viewpointor ask questions about the integrity of our elections. That is exactly what is happening here we are demonized or worse, and we need you to stand with us. 

To guarantee Everyone’s voice is heard and to encourage disengaged voters to become engaged We need to verify votes are secure, fair, and legal. It is our right and responsibility as Citizens to be informed voters and to ensure the integrity of our elections. Easthampton Active Citizens is seeking your financial support to bring our concerns to court. Our initial campaign raised $5,000 in about a week. We are now seeking to raise an additional $10,000 to continue the process and will need more if we must appeal beyond the local courts. Donations may be made to Easthampton Active Citizens PO Box 175 Easthampton, MA 01027; or by using the links below.

Sincerely, 

Catherine Wauczinski

Easthampton Active Citizens

easthamptonactivecitizens@proton.me

On June 9th the City of Easthampton MA held a hastily arranged proposition 2 1/2 override election for 6.9 million dollars. This override if it stands places a significant undue burden on the seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities and moderate to low income families in our community. This Property tax increase impacts homeowners, renters and business owners. The property tax increase will force some residents to sell or risk losing their homes.

The budget the Mayor presented to support the override had significant errors that were not corrected for citizens to review prior to the election and the city declined to respond to records requests about the budget.

Perhaps because the election was called so quickly, less than 50 days from the Mayors request till the election there appears to be several problems with the election itself.

Due to the following issues a recount has been requested and will occur on July 2 from 12 to 5:

Citizens requested mail in ballots and received empty envelopes with no ballots. Some individuals reported not receiving ballots at all. There are concerns about the security of mail in ballots and the chain of custody of those ballots. Citizens reported being denied an opportunity to vote on Election Day. There are questions about ineligible voters voting in the election and improper voting formats being used.

Additional concerns about the election process, and the events leading to the election are being investigated.

The Yes vote represents roughly 25% of the residents. Why should so few people decide the fate of our city.

We are raising funds for an attorney to represent us during the recount and to present our case in court if appropriate. We are raising Money both here and in person.