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Proposition 2 1/2 Override Information

Tuesday, June 9, Annual Town Election

Polls Open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Where do I Vote?
Precincts 1 & 2 at Abbot Hall
Precincts 3, 4, 5 & 6 at MHS Field House 2 Humphrey Street

Early Voting Hours

Town Clerk’s Office | Abbot Hall
Tuesday June 2nd 10AM-3PM
Wednesday June 3rd 10AM-5PM
Thursday June 4th 10AM-3PM

The Town of Marblehead has identified a $7.7 million deficit and is seeking a Proposition 2 1/2 override to offset the funding gap.

Article 29 – FY 2027 Override
Sample Ballot
Budget Documents
Election & Voting Information
What’s my Precinct?

Tax Calculator

This calculator will estimate the impact of each override level in Questions 1-3. Under state law, the town will move forward with the highest level of approved overrides; these overrides are not cumulative. Enter your home assessed value to see the projected tax increases to be phased in over three years.

A vote YES means

What Is Funded In Each Tier
Click to Enlarge

A vote NO means

  • 43.5 positions lost — cuts in Article 23 balanced budget take effect July 1 
  • Library open only 3 days/week; loses accreditation pathway 
  • Police Student Resource Officer eliminated from schools 
  • Increased fire department overtime; currently down 1 full shift 
  • Schools face $4M deficit in FY28 — further cuts to staffing, programs, and safety 
  • Town’s structural deficit continues to grow — larger, harder decision in the near future
How The Tax Override Levy Is Drawn Over Three Years
Tax Impact On A Median Home Over 3 Years

How The Ballot Works

How The Ballot Works

Additional Resources

Tax exemptions can be factored into your current tax bills. There are a variety of state and federal programs that residents can apply for.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Proposition 2 1/2″ is the title given to an initiative petition adopted by Massachusetts voters in 1980.  The main features of Proposition 2 1/2 are related to the total amount of property taxes that a city or town can raise each year.

The law allows residents to “override” the law and increase the levy by a stated amount beyond 2.5 percent, giving voters the power to determine the level of services they wish to fund.

An override requires two approvals, at Town Meeting and through a town-wide referendum.

The additional funding will be used to maintain current levels of service for all town departments, including Police, Fire, and Schools. This can include personnel and equipment.

While the town regularly applies for grant funding, this is not a guaranteed method of additional funding for the town. The town will continue to seek additional grants to account for the growing needs of our community.

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