Election Rules Selectively Enforced
Tom Duggan

Do local officials in Andover have selective vision when it comes to enforcing election rules? According to Andover resident and long time voter Nancy Fielding, the laws don’t seem to be evenly enforced.
 
Fielding is concerned, she says, because candidates are not being treated equally on Election Day outside Andover polling locations.
 
In 2002, a write-in candidate for State Senate was forced to remove a portable stand at The Doherty School during the primary because opponents complained. During the general election, the Andover police insisted that a large Romney banner (supported by boards but being held by two supporters) be removed.
 
When asked about campaign rules by The Valley Patriot, Andover’s Town Clerk, Randy Hanson, indicated that structures are not allowed on public property, and campaign signs must be attended/held.
 
Last month in the hotly contested Andover School Committee race between Debra Silberstein (write-in candidate), Dick Collins, and Tom Deso, Silberstein campaign supporters erected a makeshift structure with a large banner reading “Pick Up a Debra Silberstein Sticker Here” [See photo on page 1]. According to several Andover voters, the structure was in place from 8:15am to 6:00pm.
 
In response to complaints, acknowledged by Town Clerk Hanson, no effort was made to have Silberstein’s structure removed. Despite this, Hanson insisted that election rules are enforced in an even-handed manner.
 
When asked by The Valley Patriot if special dispensation was given to the Silberstein campaign, Hanson responded angrily, “WHAT? I’m insulted that you asked. That would imply I’m not doing my job.” Some Andover voters say that they are wondering about that.
 
Voters who spoke to The Valley Patriot say they will be keeping a watchful eye this year and will report any irregularities. “I will be there making sure people are being treated fairly”, Fielding said, adding, “Our democracy is too important to not insist on a level playing field.”

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