FAQ
1. What is this all about:
The Sutton 4th Planning Committee is organizing this event as a fundraiser to directly benefit Sutton’s July 4 town parade and fireworks, a grassroots effort put on by volunteers and entirely funded through donations and fundraisers.
2. Who is eligible to participate?
Any social, people-loving, not-prone-to-biting pup whose mom/dad are residents of Sutton Massachusetts may enter. No past political experience required.
3. Can I nominate my cat, cow, or chickens?
At the present time, given the fundraiser is titled “Is Your Dog the Next Mayor of Sutton”, the answer is a firm no. But hey, it is Sutton……maybe some day there could be a cow/cat/chicken candidate….
4. What are the duties aka what’s in it for my dog?
•Elected term of one year
•Proclamation/certificate of this PAWSOME accomplishment
•Bragging rights
•A float in the Sutton 4th parade on June 29, 2024
•Sash
•Photo/publicity in media and social media
•Participation and publicity ops at special town events
5. How do we declare candidacy?
Use the attached form to submit your pup’s pertinent information, upload a photo, and pay the registration fee of $25 and you’re on your way to a pawlitical career!!
One registration per pup (you may certainly register more than one dog, provided all family members can handle a potential split in the pawties.)
Registration must be received by April 28th, 2024 to be eligible for voting.
6. What are the payment options?
Payment options are available at online registration. You can also opt for cash, with instructions to contact us at thesuttonfourth@gmail.org for arrangements.
7. How do we vote ?
Voting will take place onour website. To vote, simply click on your candidate of choice. Each vote costs $2 You have the opportunity for unlimited voting. This is a charity fundraiser—stay within the spirit of the event and donate/vote as you are comfortable. Voting will take place from May 1st through May 28, 2024 - and will close at the stroke of midnight!
8. How will votes be tallied?
Only votes submitted by midnight on May 28, 2024, will be considered valid for the electoral process. Late votes, even those with a valid reason—i.e. my dog ate my computer - cannot be counted towards mayoral candidates. However, all donations for the Sutton 4th Planning Committee will be gladly and graciously accepted!
9. How can I promote my candidate?
•Vote, vote, vote!!! Encourage your family and friends to vote as well (heck, even the cat can vote if they want to!)
•You can independently market your candidate through social media, lawn signs—be creative!
•Consider a campaign slogan!
10. How are the funds being used?
The Sutton 4th Planning Committee is dedicated to providing a town parade for the townspeople of Sutton. All funds raised will be directly used for the events, activities and costs related to putting on this event.
11. Are there any other requirements I need to be aware of?
•All pups must be licensed in the town of Sutton and be up to date on required shots, including rabies.
•Winning Mayoral candidate and Campaign Manager must be available for the Sutton 4th parade on June 29, 2024
•The term for Mayor is One Year
12. How will the newly elected official be notified?
After all eligible votes are counted, the Sutton 4th Planning Committee will contact the candidate’s Campaign Manager via the contact information provided at registration.
The Mayor will also be announced on the Sutton Fourth Facebook page, as well as on the Sutton Site Facebook page.
13. Who can I contact should I have any questions?
•Coleen Tarantino, Mayoral committee chair: dogmayorsuttonfourth@gmail.com
•April Brown: thesuttonfourth@gmail.com
14. You sound like a really nifty group—how can I help?
Awww shucks…..we are always happy to welcome volunteers and donations! Please contact April for either of these things.