Mass. unveils new seal for local produce, seafood

Mass. unveils new seal for local produce, seafood

Massachusetts officials are set to unveil a new label to help consumers identify agricultural and seafood products harvested and processed in the state.

The label says, “Seal of Commonwealth Quality.”

State officials say the seal will only appear on the products of Massachusetts agribusinesses that agree to maintain high food safety and environmental standards.

The goal is to provide information to consumers while promoting Massachusetts agriculture.

The state agricultural commissioner and local agricultural and seafood producers plan to unveil the seal during a press conference Tuesday in Boston.

Group backs campaign vs. Boston immigration checks

An immigrant advocacy group is launching a campaign against the Boston Police Department’s participation in a federal program that automatically checks the immigration status of people who are arrested.

The Somerville-based Centro Presente announced Monday that the campaign is designed to educate immigrants and other Massachusetts police departments about the program known as “Secure Communities.”

Patricia Montes, executive director of the group, said the campaign will involve Spanish radio shows, community forums, and testimonies from immigrants who she said have been “wrongfully held by police.”

The federal program allows arrestees’ fingerprint information to be checked against FBI and Department of Homeland Security records.

Boston police say the program has helped officers arrest a number of suspects involved in criminal activity.

OCTOBER 13 IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

The Boston Board of Election Commissioners reminds prospective new voters – and current voters who have moved since last voting – that the final day to register, or  to change your voting address, for the November 2 State Election is Wednesday, October 13.

Voting in Massachusetts, including Boston, is address-based.  Voters can make sure that their voting information is current by logging on to  and clicking on the link to “voter registration search.”

If you are currently registered to vote in the City of Boston, but are at a new address:, write a brief note, giving your full name, date of birth, old voting address, and new voting address, as well as a means of contact (telephone number or email address).  

Sign the note, and mail to: Boston Election Department,

Room 241, Boston City Hall, Boston MA 02201.  You may also download a new voter registration form from the website, and use it to change your residential information.  Click the link to National Voter Registration Form. Make sure to mail to the address on the website.

If you are now registered in Massachusetts, but not in Boston, you must re-register to vote. Download a National Voter Registration form from or call 617-635-3767, and a new form will be sent to you.  

All new voter registration forms and address changes must be postmarked no later than October 13 in to be recognized for the State Election.

The Election Department, Room 241, in Boston City Hall will be open until 8 p.m. on October 13 for the purpose of voter registration. Please use the Congress Street entrance, opposite Faneuil Hall, after 5:30 PM.

Mail-In Forms are also available at many community centers, libraries, and health centers in Boston.