Election Central

It’s Primary Election Day; Voters Will See Few Contested Party Races

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Those who did not take advantage of early voting or return a mail-in ballot have an opportunity to vote today, but residents will note few contested races. It’s party primary election day with nearly all incumbent federal and state legislators running unopposed. One exception is the state legislative seat, representing parts of Lawrence and Methuen in the Massachusetts House—a rematch between incumbent Francisco E. Paulino and former Rep. Marcos Devers in the 16th Essex District. Democratic Sens. Barry R. Finegold, 2nd Essex and Middlesex District, and Pavel M. Payano, 1st Essex, are running unopposed as are Reps.

Election Central

Governor’s Council Candidate Zeigler Receives Backing from Auditor DiZoglio, Laborers’ Union

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Governor’s Council candidate Eunice D. Zeigler has received the endorsements of state Auditor Diana DiZoglio and Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council. In a release, DiZoglio said, “Eunice has a strong record of public service, both as an elected official in Methuen and as a dedicated advocate with many community organizations like the YWCA and Emmaus Inc. I look forward to her bringing her voice and leadership to the Governor’s Council, and that’s why I’m endorsing her in this race.”

Similarly, Laborers’ International Union of North America District Council Business Manager Joseph Bonfiglio said, “Former Methuen City Councilor Eunice Zeigler is well-acquainted with the challenges faced by working families and tirelessly fights to improve their lives.”

Zeigler, a Democrat, is vying to succeed five-term Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff, who is now seeking the post of Essex County Register of Deeds. She is unopposed in the Democratic primary next Tuesday, Sept. 3, and is expected to face Republican Anne Manning-Martin during the general election Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Election Central

Latino Coalition of Haverhill Brings Change to Haverhill Elections, Now Sponsors Voter Registration Drives

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The face of Haverhill elections has changed dramatically through the efforts of the Latino Coalition of Haverhill. The Coalition helped push through Haverhill’s adoption of ward representation and has followed with nine voter registration events as well as one planned next month in the Mount Washington neighborhood. “Voting is a critical part of empowering the citizens of Haverhill,” said Latino Coalition board member Fermin de la Cruz. “Every voice should be counted.”

Those voices were amplified, starting in January of 2020, when the group joined with Greater Haverhill Indivisible to present a forum, “Exploring the Possibility of Neighborhood Representation.” It featured attorney Oren Sellstrom, litigation director for Lawyers for Civil Rights, and the group’s Executive Director Iván Espinoza-Madrigal. The following year, the firm and the Coalition sent a “demand” letter that stopped just short of threatening outright legal action if Haverhill didn’t introduce ward-based city councilors and school committee members.

Election Central

Early Voting for State Primary Election Continues All Week

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Early voting across the state started this past weekend and continues this week. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright reminds residents early voting continues Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 26, 27 and 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday Aug. 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All early voting takes place in the basement of Haverhill City Hall in the space previously occupied by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 4 Summer St.

Election Central

In Unofficial Straw Poll, Haverhill Democrats Choose Driscoll and Duff in Contested Races

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Voters participating Saturday in a straw poll at the Haverhill Democratic City Committee’s Annual Roz McKeon Breakfast made their choices known in the party’s only two contested elections. Incumbent Essex County Clerk of Courts Thomas H. Driscoll Jr. took 62% of the vote in the unscientific poll vs. James FX Doherty, who garnered 38%. Driscoll, of Swampscott, has had no opponents since 2000 when he ran for his first six-year term. Doherty, of Salem, is campaigning to make the post an appointed position or limit election to four terms.

In the other party-contested race, Southern Essex District register of deeds, those participating in the poll chose Eileen R. Duff over Joseph Michael Gentleman III 85% to 15%.

Election Central

Governor’s Council Hopeful Manning-Martin Wins Backing from N.E. Police Benevolent Association

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Anne Manning-Martin, Republican candidate for 5th District governor’s councilor, recently won the endorsement of the New England Police Benevolent Association

The Association, representing more than 200 agencies throughout New England, works to represent law enforcement professionals and their staffs. “I am proud to have the endorsement of the fine men and women of the NEPBA. I share their dedication to public service and public safety,” Manning-Martin said in a statement. The Association’s executive board voted to endorse Manning-Martin, a Peabody city councilor since 2008 and who works as a deputy superintendent for the Department of Correction at the Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit. She seeks to succeed Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff who is now seeking the post of Essex County register of deeds.

Election Central

Haverhill Democrats to Have Harris/Walz Lawn Signs at Saturday Breakfast with Lt. Gov. Driscoll

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When the Haverhill Democratic City Committee and the public meet Saturday for the Annual Roz McKeon Breakfast, they’ll be celebrating the results of the Democratic National Convention, taking place this week in Chicago. Signs featuring the Harris/Walz presidential ticket will also be available to all attendees at the breakfast Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Maria’s Galleria Banquet Room, 85 Essex St., Haverhill. The Committee is honoring Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll as the 2024 Distinguished Democrat. Driscoll has served as the Massachusetts lieutenant governor since 2023, having previously served as mayor of Salem from 2006 to 2023.

Election Central

Registry of Deeds Candidate Duff Wins Backing of Healey and Driscoll

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Eileen R. Duff, Democratic candidate for Southern Essex District Register of Deeds, has won the endorsements of Gov. Maura T. Healy and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “Eileen’s 12 years of experience as a leader on the Governor’s Council and two decades of experience as a Realtor give her a unique lens through which she will view the registry’s work. She has been a dedicated partner to our administration and has devoted her career to serving the people of Essex County and is the right leader for the job,” Healey and Driscoll said in a joint statement. They said they recognize Duff’s commitment to public service and her understanding of the critical role that the Register of Deeds plays in maintaining and safeguarding property records. Duff said her goals include “enhancing customer service and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and security in record-keeping.”

She seeks to succeed Register John L. O’Brien Jr. who stepped down because of health issues.