Election Central

Array of Haverhill Officials Back DiZoglio Re-Election Bid, Plan Thursday Fundraiser

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Several Haverhill city councilors and other officials are endorsing state Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s re-election bid and hosting a fundraising reception for her campaign Thursday. Councilors Daniel R. Diodati, Catherine P. Rogers, Melissa J. Lewandowski and Ralph T. Basiliere and former City Councilor Katrina Hobbs Everett and her husband Dennis Everett Jr. invite the public to join them Thursday, March 12, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Pinnacle, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill. DiZoglio previously represented Haverhill, Methuen and other communities in both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate. She won the statewide office of auditor two years ago, while winning the support of 72% of voters to audit the state Legislature. DiZoglio argued independent audits help inspire public trust and confidence in government.

Election Central

Nomination Papers Available for Those Seeking State Senate, House, DA or Other Elected Seats

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All of the area’s elected state officials are up for re-election this year and some prospective challengers may face the first of several deadlines Tuesday. Nomination papers are available for such seats as local senators and representatives, district attorney and governor’s councilor. Candidates have until April 28 to gather signatures from registered voters and submit them to local registrars and then until May 26 to file papers with the State Elections Division. Anyone who chooses to run within a political party, however, has until end of business Tuesday to choose or change party affiliations. Several candidates have already confirmed for WHAV their intentions to seek re-election.

Election Central

Plaintiffs Argue NH Voter Citizenship Law an Unlawful Burden, In First Day of Two-Week Trial

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by Ethan DeWitt, New Hampshire Bulletin
February 10, 2026

For the Coalition for Open Democracy, helping New Hampshire residents register to vote is part of the mission statement. But by the end of last year, Executive Director Olivia Zink noticed a development. Despite growing its volunteers, the organization helped register far fewer voters at its in-person events in 2025 than it did in 2023 — from more than 190 in 2023 to 50 in 2025. To Zink, there is one primary culprit: New Hampshire’s new voter registration requirements. A state law that took effect just after the presidential election in November 2024 requires new registrants in the state to provide hard-copy proof of their citizenship with no exceptions.

Election Central

Updated: Haverhill Voters Return Barrett to Office, Elect Diodati to Council, Bring New Faces to School Board

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(Additional photographs below.)

Haverhill voters made few changes in contested races during Tuesday’s balloting, returning Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and all incumbent city councilors to office, while filling School Committee vacancies and a councilor in Ward 2 with political newcomers. The big changes in January include Councilor-elect Daniel R. Diodati, who prevailed over fellow newcomer Veronica A. Rodriguez, 652 to 489 in unofficial results, to succeed incumbent Katrina Hobbs Everett to represent Ward 2. Hobbs Everett chose not to seek re-election. Haverhill’s first time electing three at-large School Committee members brought Penelope Guerrero to first place, followed by former School Committee member Toni A. Sapienza-Donais and Josiah E. Morrow. Those who ran unsuccessfully were Davis V. Nguyen, Daniel P. Spheekas and Fred A. Simmons.

Election Central

Last Chance for Haverhill Voters to Make a Difference is Tuesday; Some New Faces on Horizon

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Haverhill voters who haven’t already participated in early voting or sent in a ballot by mail still have a chance to impact the city’s leadership come January. Tuesday is Haverhill’s general election with a number of competitive races—especially on the School Committee where more than half of the faces will change at the first of the year. There are also competitive races for mayor, where first-time Mayor Melinda E. Barrett faces a challenge from newcomer Brandon Burns; and one City Council candidate each is to be eliminated in the at-large and Wards 2, 4 and 6 races. The Haverhill School Committee’s three at-large seats will change no matter what voters decide as none of the three incumbents are seeking re-election. Those vying for at-large seats are, in ballot order, Penelope Guerrero, Josiah E. Morrow, Davis V. Nguyen, Toni A. Sapienza-Donais, Fred A. Simmons and Daniel P. Spheekas.

Election Central

Podcast: Diodati and Rodrigues Vie to Be New Haverhill City Council Face of Ward 2

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Daniel R. Diodati, a fourth generation Hillie, is competing with Veronica A. Rodriguez, also a Haverhill native, to represent Ward 2 on the Haverhill City Council in January. The winner replaces Katrina Hobbs Everett who chose not to run again. Diodati manages Berkshire Hathaway real estate offices in Haverhill. Rodriquez works for the Lawrence office of the state Department of Children and Families. Each recently appeared on WHAV’s morning show and answered six questions on challenging issues in the city.

Election Central

Podcast: McGonagle and Aguilo in Haverhill’s Ward 6 City Council Race Detail Different Approaches

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In one of only three contested ward city council tests this year in Haverhill, Oliver Aguilo, a city engineer with Lawrence and 20-year resident of Haverhill, is taking on incumbent Michael S. McGonagle, a Haverhill native, to represent Ward 6 on Haverhill’s City Council. McGonagle owns a real estate company. Both candidates appeared on WHAV’s morning show and answered a series of questions about issues facing the city. Here are their answers in the order the candidates appear on the ballot. Why are you running for City Council?

Election Central

Haverhill’s At-Large School Committee Candidates Differ on Attendance Policy, Spending

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Six candidates are vying for three at large seats on the Haverhill School Committee in the city’s general election tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 4. They are, in ballot order, Penelope Guerrero, Josiah E. Morrow, Davis V. Nguyen, Toni A. Sapienza-Donais, Fred A. Simmons and Daniel P. Spheekas. All except Nguyen were raised in Haverhill and attended its public schools. Nguyen moved to Haverhill five years ago.