Several local elections are taking place across the region Tuesday. Some tight mayoral races in western Massachusetts are expected to send more voters to the polls.
A higher than average voter turnout is expected in Chicopee, Holyoke, West Springfield and Pittsfield. Elections officials there expect the percentage of voters heading to the polls to range from the upper 30’s to the lower 40’s. In North Adams, where an incumbent and former mayor faces off for a second time, City Clerk Marilyn Gomeau, says turnout there could be even higher.
“I think we’re going to probably see about 63 percent. And the reason I’m saying that is, one; it’s very highly contested race. And, two; is the weather,” says Gomeau.
The forecast calls for a sunny Election Day with temperatures in the 60’s. By contrast, turnout is expected to be nowhere near as high in Springfield. Election commissioner Gladys Oyola says she’ll be surprised if 20 percent of voters show up. In West Springfield, City Clerk Otto Frizell says 30 percent of registered voters typically cast ballots in local elections. But he says the mayoral race between town attorney Will Reichelt and State Representative Mike Finn is expected to boost turnout to 40 percent
“This is an empty seat, meaning there’s two new candidates vying for it. That usually brings out more voters, and it’s been a very well publicized race between Misters Finn and Reichelt. So I’m expecting a higher than average turnout,” says Frizell.
Incumbent Ed Sullivan did not seek re-election. The West Side is one of eight communities in western Massachusetts with contested mayoral races.