Election Central

Few Contested Local Races, But Presidential Race Driving Expected Record Voter Turnout

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It’s Election Day nationwide with the contest between former President Donald Trump, a Republican, and Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, garnering the most attention. A couple of Massachusetts races, a few north of the border and some contentious ballot questions also promise great interest. Locally, for those who didn’t vote early or by mail-in or absentee ballot, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. After polls close tonight, WHAV listeners will hear CBS News reports on the hour, covering the presidential race and the balance of power in Congress, while, by special arrangement, Associated Press vote counts for president and state race calls, contested local races and the results of the ballot questions appear at WHAV.net. Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin said Monday morning that he expects record voter turnout, exceeding the almost 3.7 million voters who went to the polls in 2020. Galvin said the presidential race is likely what’s driving so many people to the polls.

Beacon Hill News

DiZoglio Addresses Boxford Republicans, Comes Away with Question 1 Backing

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Boxford Republicans last Wednesday voted to endorse a ballot initiative which would allow the state auditor to audit the legislature. The Boxford Republican Town Committee voted unanimously to endorse the question after state Auditor Diana DiZoglio visited several area Republican committees to speak on the initiative. Voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve Question 1, which would give the state auditor the explicit authority to audit the legislature. DiZoglio, a Methuen native, was fondly called one of their “favorite Democrats” by multiple attendees. “We are putting on the ballot, to all of you, language that simply includes the words ‘including the General Court,’” she said.

Election Central

Zeigler Wins Backing of Sen. Markey and Congresswoman Trahan in Governor’s Council Contest

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Sen. Edward J. Markey and Congresswoman Lori Trahan both recently endorsed Governor’s Council candidate Eunice D. Zeigler. Democrat Zeigler, a former Methuen city councilor, is running against Republican Anne Manning-Martin, a Peabody city councilor since 2008, for the open seat. “We need leaders on the Governor’s Council who will fight for justice and transparency, and Eunice Zeigler brings that mission to District 5. Her commitment to community engagement and ability to listen to and act on the needs of her constituents sets her apart,” Markey said in a statement. In a separate endorsement, Trahan said, “As a Congresswoman, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many local officials, and I first got to know Eunice through her role as a Methuen city councilor.

Election Central

Former Gov. Baker Endorses Republican Manning-Martin in Governor’s Council Race

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Former Gov. Charlie Baker recently endorsed Republican Anne Manning-Martin is her bid for 5th District Governor’s Council. Manning-Martin, a Peabody city councilor since 2008, is running for the open seat against Democrat Eunice D. Zeigler, a former Methuen city councilor. “Take it from me—we sorely need Anne Manning-Martin to bring healthy balance to the Governor’s Council,” Baker said, “Anne has a proven record of being a strong independent voice when we need it most.”

The 5th District includes Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury, among other communities.

Election Central

Podcast: Early Voting Continues Today; Haverhill Clerk Wright Explains Extended Election Season

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The election season is in full swing at the Haverhill City Clerk’s office even though final election day is two weeks away. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, explained why the window for early voting seems longer than usual. In-person early voting started this past weekend. “In regular elections, like the September primary or maybe a municipal election, you would see one week of early voting, but the Vote Act that was passed by the legislature requires that for the November election you have two weeks of early voting.”

For citizens requesting a mail-in ballot, Wright noted an important step voters must take. “When you’re requesting a vote by mail ballot and filling it out, it’s really important that you sign that manila ballot envelope.