DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE OF CHATHAM, MA
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  • What's on the Ballot? Find out who and what is on the ballot for the upcoming election. Enter your voting address and find lot's to dig into here: www.usvotefoundation.org/sample-ballot-lookup
  • Ongoing Local "Standouts" & Protests: Various Indivisible local chapters are conducting ongoing rallies, such as weekly "Feet on the Streets" Friday morning protests, and anti-ICE protests at target locations. https://indivisible.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/?pg= 
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Latest News​
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​YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
    


MAURA HEALEY/KIM DRISCOLL        Governor and Lt. Governor

ANDREA CAMPBELL                Attorney General

ED MARKEY                    U.S. Senator

BILL KEATING                    U.S. House of Representatives (9th District)

JULIAN CYR                    State Senator for Cape and Islands

HADLEY LUDDY                    State Rep. 4th Barnstable District

KIP DIGGS                        State Rep. 2d Barnstable District

CHRIS LAMBTON                State Rep. 1st Barnstable District

DAN GESSEN                    Barnstable County Commissioner

BILL GALVIN                    Secretary of State

DIANA DiZOGLIO                    State Auditor

DEB GOLDBERG                    State Treasurer

DYLAN FERNANDES                State Senator for parts of Barnstable

THOMAS MOAKLEY                State Rep. Barnstable/Falmouth/Dukes

ROBERT GALIBOIS                District Attorney, Cape/Islands

THOMAS H. CLARKE Jr.            Barnstable County Charter Commissioner
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* If you prefer to vote earlier, you may vote early in person in the town where you are registered or you may vote by mail.  Early voting takes place October 17-30, 2026.  Every registered voter can vote by mail without giving an excuse. For information on how to vote by mail, see https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/vote-by-mail.htm .

The CDTC was honored to have Joanne DiFrancesco from Grandmothers Against Gun Violence speak on recommendations for a YES vote on Ballot Question 9.

Ballot question 9 is framed in a confusing way, so it is very important to understand that this veto referendum asks voters to decide whether to keep or repeal a 2024 state law creating an array of new firearms regulations. In this case, backers of the repeal are pushing for a “no” vote to reject the current law and opponents are advocating for a “yes” vote to keep gun regulations in place.

A Yes Vote on Ballot Question 9 keeps the 2024 gun regulations in place.


You can view the organizations that have already endorsed the campaign here:
https://www.yesforasafema.com/endorsements

If you scroll to the Town Committees section, you’ll see the growing number of Democratic Town Committees that have joined the campaign.

For those who would like to stay involved, learn more, or request campaign materials, please visit www.yesforasafema.com. Lawn signs and other materials are available.

You can also follow the campaign on Instagram and Facebook at @yesforasafema.
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Cape and Islands Democratic Council Opens Party Headquarters!

Your friendly Cape and Islands Democratic Council has officially opened headquarters right in the heart of downtown Hyannis— and we want you to be part of it!

Whether you've got 2 hours a month or 20 hours a week, we've got a volunteer spot for you. Seriously — there's no "right" amount of time to give. Stop by once just to see what we're about, or become a regular who knows everyone's coffee order. Both are exactly what we need.



​Here's the deal:
  • 📍 Where: 493 Main St. in Downtown Hyannis
  • 🗓️ When: We'll be open 7 days a week ~ 10-6.
    Come whenever works for you.
  • ☕ What you'll actually do: Greet visitors, chat with folks who stop in. No experience needed, no pressure, no long-term commitment required.
Think of it less like "signing up for a shift" and more like "dropping by a place where good people are getting good things done." We'll have snacks. We'll have music. We'll probably have our dog there half the time.

Ready to jump in?
👉  — SignupGeniusDemHQ - Pick any time that works, or just show up.
👉 Email [email protected] and we'll find you a spot.
👉 Or Call (508) 534-8803 for more information.

This headquarters only works if it's full of people like you. Come see what we're building. We can't wait to meet you.
It also takes money. Please consider donating at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2026-democratic-headquarters

See you soon!

Your Friends at the Cape and Islands Democratic Council (CIDC) and the Barnstable Democratic Town Committee (BDTC)
P.S. Bring a friend! The more the merrier!

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Massachusetts Question 7: Legalize Affordable Homes

AUGUST 26:  Lynda Tocci of Dewey Square Group met with the CDTC via Zoom to ask members to consider the benefits of voting Yes on Ballot Question 7, which proposes to reduce minimum lot size requirements and setbacks in order to encourage the building of more modestly-sized, affordable homes.


According to Ballotopedia.com, "Question 7 would prohibit any law or zoning ordinance from restricting single-family residences in a residential zoning district. It would also prohibit any law from requiring a special permit or approval to use land for single-family residences in a residential zoning district. The measure only applies to residential zoning lots that measure at least 5,000 square feet in area, have at least 50 feet of frontage on a street or public way, and have access to public sewer and water services."

While Tocci emphasized that the measure would give towns and building commissions the final say on building projects, the ease on setback requirements and the need for special permits would facilitate more building of small, affordable homes on smaller lots. 

"Affordability is top of mind for voters. Over the last five years rising costs of housing and general affordability have seen increased numbers of people leaving the state." Tocci added that hope is for measure to allow the creation of 100 new homes per year on Cape Cod. 

​For more on the measure: 
ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_Question_7,_Limit_on_Required_Lot_Size_for_Single-Family_Homes_Initiative_(2026)
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Stay tuned for more updates as we approach election season!

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Sherrod Brown, Democratic Senate nominee from Ohio (right) was the guest of honor at a recent gathering in Orleans. Dan Morgan and several other members of the CDTC were in attendance. Brown is running in the November 2026 special election to regain his former U.S. Senate seat against Republican incumbent Jon Husted. 


Residential Exemption

The Select Board has tentatively voted to have the Residential Exemption available to primary residents for Fiscal Year 2027. The final decision and vote will be made on the classification hearing which is usually held in September. Please see below for the application form to be completed together with all documentation required using the link below. Partial applications will not be accepted. All documentation must be submitted at once. 
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The Residential Exemption is a local property tax break in Massachusetts that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. To qualify you must be a primary resident in Chatham, you must own and occupy the property as of January 1, 2026 for Fiscal Year 2027 and if the property is in a Trust you need to be the Trustee and Beneficial Interest. You will need to provide us with your Trust Documents including the Schedule of Beneficiaries and Trustee information. We understand that not all trusts are the same. If beneficiary information is not provided, we will review the trust language to determine beneficial interest. You will need to provide us with your 2025 Tax Returns (Federal & State First Page and signature page), copy of your vehicle registration and Driver's License. Please provide us your Social Security Statement if you don't file taxes. Please provide Massachusetts State ID if applicant is not a driver

How It Works: If adopted by the Select Board, a percentage of the average residential property value is deducted from your home's assessed value, lowering your overall property tax bill. This shifts a portion of the tax burden away from full-time residents and onto higher-end properties and second/vacation homes.

 Chatham Eligibility: To be eligible, the property must be your legal, primary residence. If your home is held in a trust, you must be a trustee and hold a sufficient beneficial interest in the property. Properties owned by LLCs or businesses do not qualify.

 How to Apply: You must fill out the Chatham Residential Exemption Application [https://www.chatham-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9448/FY27-Residential-Application-Form] and provide proof of domicile (such as a Massachusetts driver's license, vehicle registration, and front pages of your Federal/State tax returns).
 Important Deadlines: Applications are due by April 1 of the applicable fiscal year, but it is highly recommended to file after filing your Federal and State tax returns so the credit is applied directly to the first half of your real estate tax bill. [https://www.chatham-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9894/Residential-Exemption-PDF-41726]
 Detailed information on the Residential Exemption can be found at:  https://www.chatham-ma.gov/1050/Residential-Exemption

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Board To Decide Fate Of Intersection Upgrade
Route 28/Crowell Road Plan Presented By State
 CHATHAM – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is ready to go ahead with a safety upgrade of the Route 28/Crowell Road intersection, but the select board is divided on whether to accept the $5 million, federally-funded project. State officials presented the project details to a packed house at the annex Thursday, and the select board will make a final go or no-go decision Tuesday. Watch Thursday’s edition for results.


Thomas H. Clarke, Jr.



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President Donald Trump's decision to withhold his signature on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act leaves in limbo a sweeping package that was specifically designed to boost housing supply and lower home prices. For Cape Cod, where working families are routinely priced out by tight inventory and corporate ownership, this stalling prevents several highly anticipated federal interventions.

What the Stalled Bill Means for Cape Cod:
  • Limits on Corporate Buyers: A key provision in the act would ban institutional investors from owning more than 350 single-family homes. For Cape Cod towns, this was targeted at preventing private equity firms and out-of-state investors from scooping up local starter homes to convert into short-term rentals.
  • Easier Construction and Conversions: The legislation aims to cut federal red tape and encourage zoning reforms to speed up the construction of smaller starter homes. It includes measures to make it cheaper to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—a housing type the Cape Cod Commission heavily promotes to alleviate the region's rental crisis. It also creates grants to help communities convert vacant commercial properties into affordable housing.
  • Repair and Preservation: The package includes forgivable loans and grants to help low- and moderate-income homeowners make critical home repairs. This directly assists long-time residents on the Cape in staying in their homes rather than being forced to sell.
Current Status of the Bill: The bill passed both chambers of Congress with wide, veto-proof majorities (including heavy support from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren). However, President Trump abruptly canceled the ceremonial signing, stating he will not sign the legislation until Congress passes a separate, strict voter ID bill known as the SAVE America Act.

What Happens Next:
Because the bill cleared Congress with a veto-proof majority, it can automatically become law without the President's signature. Under the rules, the bill becomes law if President Trump does not veto it or if Congress remains in session for a ten-day period after receiving the legislation. Congressional leaders plan to officially transmit the bill to the White House, forcing this ticking clock. You can monitor ongoing developments and actions to address local housing shortages by utilizing the Cape Cod Commission or Housing Assistance Corporation portals.
May 28     
​A Meet and Greet Fundraiser was hosted by Mike and Kathy Schell at their home in Chatham. The guest of honor was Ron Bergstrom, whose bid for re-election for Barnstable County Commissioner drew support from residents across Cape Cod. 

Said fellow Barnstable County Commissioner, Sheila Lyons, of Wellfleet, "I support Ron because he understands the value of shared services in reducing costs and strengthening our communities. As a regional board, we work together to build solutions, foster collaboration, and advocate for legislation that benefits Cape Codders. As a working man, Ron understands the challenges facing both families and municipalities. He brings the practical experience and leadership our communities need."

 To donate to Ron's campaign, go to  https://www.electronbergstrom.org/


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​Potash Wins Seat On Chatham Select Board 
May 15, 2026
TIM WOOD for the Cape Cod Chronicle 

CHATHAM – Topping a four-candidate field, Randi Potash won a three-year term on the select board in Thursday’s annual town election.  

Based on preliminary results released by Town Clerk Julie Smith Thursday evening, Potash led polling with 767 votes, well ahead of candidates Carol Gordon, with 519 votes, Brian Phillips with 210 votes, and Meredith Fry with 177. 

Turnout was about average for a town election, with 1,680 voters, or 28 percent of those registered, casting ballots at the community center.  

Potash, currently vice chair of the zoning board of appeals, previously served on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates as Chatham’s elected representative. An attorney and trained mediator, she will fill the seat left vacant after Shareen Davis decided not to seek re-election.

Although there were two Chatham open seats on the Monomoy Regional School Committee, only one candidate, Heather Morgan, had taken out nomination papers. She was elected with 1,223 votes. Write-in candidate Lucia Luce Quinn earned 195 votes and will fill the second three-year term.  

​Housing authority incumbent Shirley Smith was unchallenged and won re-election with 1,254 votes.  

Voters also approved two debt exemption ballot questions. Question 1 sought $2 million to replace the bulkhead at the Barn Hill town landing and was approved 1,273 to 318. The second question sought $3.5 million to replace the bulkhead and floats at the Ryder’s Cove town landing. It passed 1,286 to 307. Both questions were overwhelmingly approved at Monday’s annual town meeting.  The select board was scheduled to meet Friday morning to swear in its newest member and reorganize.​

Kennedy Legacy Dinner in Hyannis

The May 2, 2026 Kennedy Legacy Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Hyannis, featured an energetic roster of speakers and guests from key offices of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Presented by the Cape and Islands Democratic Council, the evening featured keynote speaker Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who stated that the Trump administration has placed our country in a field of "unforced errors" and that the Healey administration has stood and will continue to stand for the rights of all Massachusetts citizens. "We are the backstop against the worst of what's coming out of DC. We are keeping Massachusetts safe and strong."

There followed in-person appearances from a roster of key local and state Democratic leaders including: Senator Ed Markey; Congressman Bill Keating; State Representative Hadley Luddy; Representative Thomas Moakley; Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr; Barnstable and Plymouth Senator Dylan Fernandes; Representative Kip A. Diggs; Auditor Diana Dizoglia; as well as a few recorded video messages, those from Governor Maura Healey and AG Andrea Campbell chief among them.

The audience was comprised of members from Cape wide Democratic Town committees. Representing for Chatham Democrats: CDTC Chair Mike Schell and wife Kathy; Barnstable County Commissioner Ron Bergstrom and wife Mary; Chatham Selectman Jeff Dykens and wife Julie; Priscilla Smith; Mary Byrne, Carol Kenner, Dan Morgan and Martha Hicks.

The future Democratic voters of Cape Cod were seen in force, represented by a table full of students from Monomoy and Nauset High Schools, and of course CDTC's own youth whisperer and Massachussetts political wonk, Dan Morgan.
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The evening was capped off with two Democrat of the Year awards presented to Wellfleet DTC Chair Lydia Vivante and Dennis DTC Chair Priscilla Mariani.  
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Chatham Select Board Forum Sees SRO Crowd

A huge turnout on April 30 for the Chatham Select Board Candidate Forum at the Town Hall Annex where attendees filled the large conference room to SRO capacity, spilling over into the adjoining conference room and filling that to capacity as well.

Hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Cape Cod Chronicle, the forum was moderated by Harwich resident and League member Rosemary Shields.


The five candidates, Meredith Loomis Frye, Carol Ann Gordon, Brian Phillips and Randi Potash, were each allowed a two minute opening statement, two minutes to answer each of five questions, and a two minute closing statement. The candidates were all presented with the same five questions drawn from a pool of questions written on notecards from the audience and read by moderator Shields.

​The question topics encompassed town sewer hookups; how to balance affordable housing while preserving open space; airport upgrades; the role of the select board in prioritizing funding for climate related costs; and residential tax exemptions.
Look for a more detailed report forthcoming in the Chronicle. Or you can watch the rebroadcast on Chatham TV Xfinity Channel 1072. 
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Ed Markey Forum in Osterville

Saturday, April 11 saw a very fired up Senator Ed Markey at the Osterville Public Library addressing a packed room of upwards of seventy people, a Who’s Who of local politicians as well as delegates and others interested in hearing the senator’s take on our current situation.

Markey’s enthusiasm was palpable and infectious, bringing the crowd to their feet several times during his roughly thirty-minute talk. From the start, Markey hammered the Trump administration for its disastrous policies, gross mismanagement and ill-conceived decisions, chiding Republicans for their spineless response to the slashing of crucial funds to NIH and Medicare in favor of throwing billions of dollars at an unnecessary war, a war, he says, that is alienating the United States from its closest allies.

“People ask me what Republicans say about Trump behind closed doors,” Markey said. “I say they’re like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. There’s no one home. Their cognition is completely detached from the body. Republicans have to grow a spine. The only way we can get them to do that is by knocking out as many of them as possible in November.”

Markey made a point to connect with the audience on a local level, calling Barnstable, “the epicenter of the Climate Crisis” and reminding the audience that Constitutional Rule of Law is part of our DNA in Massachusetts.

“Trump has handed over the keys to our environment and economy to Big Oil and Gas. This is, without question, the most important fight of our lives. Failure is not an option.”

Among those in attendance were Cape and Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois; former State Representative and Markey campaign advisor Jim Cantwell; Barnstable County Commissioner Ron Bergstrom; Sheila Lyons and Mark Forest, also of the Barnstable County Commission;  Representatives Hadley Luddy and Kipp Digs; Ed McManus, president of the Cape and Islands Democratic Council; and Chatham Democratic Town Committee Chair, Mike Schell
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Contact Us

[email protected]
917-327-0199

Party Links

Cape & Islands Democratic Coalition
Massachusetts Democratic Party
US Democratic National Committee

Local Organizations

​Lower Cape Indivisible
Indivisible Outer Cape

Local Government

Town of Chatham, MA
Barnstable County, MA
Commonwealth of ​Massachusetts
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