Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Hi Billy,

I thought you might be interested in this. I went to early voting on Monday. When I got there I was told that I was on the inactive voting list( as my husband and son were also).

I was allowed to vote after I showed identification and signed a log paper that had about 6 names on it. Odd that I am a lifelong Somerville resident, never missed a primary or regular election in 36 years and have lived at the same address for 28 years. They told me that it was that I did not complete the census which was also untrue. Another woman overhead what I was saying and said she has the same experience. I wrote to the Mr. Salerno, the election commission to alert him to this issue and await his reply.

Jennifer Mahoney Blaikie

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Here is the email I sent to Salerno.

Subject: voting issue

Dear Mr. Salerno,

I write to bring your attention to a serious matter. First, I am a life-long Somerville resident, have voted in all primary and municipal elections for 36 years. I have lived at the current address for 28 years. When I went to early vote on Monday I was informed that I was marked inactive. My husband and son were also marked inactive. I find this odd. I voted in the previous mayoral election with no issue. I was told that I must not have completed the census. Well, that statement is also untrue. Another woman who was voted said she had the same experience. The clerk said that particular day she had many of these issues.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at the number below. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Jennifer Mahoney Blaikie