Across Hampshire County, voters are taking to the polls for elections that have the potential to change the political landscape of western Massachusetts.
In Amherst, residents had several decisions to make, including their candidate choices for state representative in the 3rd Hampshire District; senator in the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District; and members of Amherst’s first Town Council.
Voters cited civic duty and the many legislature changes taking place at both the local and state levels as significant motivation to mark their ballots.
“It’s my right to vote, and I believe we need to do that,” said Pam Korza. “I’m concerned with the changeover in so much of the Legislature, so I want to make sure my voice is heard.”
Korza said that she is most interested in both the local Amherst Town Council events and electing a new senator who can “fill some big shoes that Sen. Rosenberg left behind.”
While leaving the polls, voter Jim Oldham echoed the need for strong leadership at different levels of government.
“There are a lot of important choices we have both locally and for state office,” Oldham said. “We have a chance to have a new state legislator and senator… those are both a big deal.”
For Frances Soto, getting out to the polls was a simple matter.
“I can’t stand Trump and I love Elizabeth Warren,” Soto said. “Is that reason enough?”
In addition to the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District Senate race, Hadley residents are tasked with deciding on a candidate for the 2nd Hampshire District, where 16-year incumbent John Scibak, D-South Hadley, is retiring at the end of his term.
Hadley voters also expressed that they place high value on voting rights and civic engagement.
“[Voting] is my duty as a citizen,” said Ashoke Ganguli, who added that he is most interested in both the Senate and local races. “It’s important.”
“We need some change,” he concluded. “Change is good for the soul.”
Ray Spezeski said that he tries to vote every election, and that he is particularly invested in seeing current Gov. Charlie Baker re-elected.
“Although Charlie Baker is favored, I’d like to see him stay,” Spezeski said. “I think he’s doing a good job.”
Many Southampton voters said they were following the Select Board race – a special election that came as a result of a tie in the town’s original vote in May.
“I’m watching the Select Board,” said Lenn Spath. He’s hoping voters will elect someone more conservative.
James Barton said he’s most educated on that local contest too. “I took the time to get to know the candidates,” he said.
Ben Chmielewski had just gotten back from spending time in Canada and almost forgot about the election until his mom reminded him.
And some in Southampton also cited feeling a sense of civic duty. “It’s my right and obligation to vote,” said Janet Cain. “I’m very active in what goes on in the local and state community.”
A sense of civic engagement was felt in Easthampton too. “I just think it’s important to vote and pick your representatives,” said Geoff Douglass as he left the polls.
In Easthampton, some voters were excited about Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, a lawyer running against 30-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield. With no opposing Republicans running, the primary holds a lot of weight.
Emmett Slack said he thinks Neal has been in office for too long. “Tahirah seems like she had a lot more passion for it,” he said.
Elliot Oberholtzer felt similarly. “I was excited to vote in this election for Tahirah,” he said. “I’m excited about her message and positions. I think she’s going to do a great job.”
The choice for governor was a tougher one for Oberholtzer, as he saw both candidates as a welcome change from Baker.
Throughout the towns, officials were mostly positive about voter turnout.
Voters were trickling in midday Tuesday to the gym in Easthampton’s White Brook Middle School.
“The morning started slow but as the day went on it got busier,” said Gail Nartowicz, an election warden, though it wasn’t quite as busy as she expected.
Amherst Constable Janice Peterman, who has assisted at the polls for at least the past decade, was optimistic about voter turnout.
“It seems like there’s a bit more interest than usual, and that’s a positive sign,” Peterman said.
Janine Domina, Southampton town clerk, said the turnout at the town hall polling station, as of midday Tuesday, was strong.
“It’s been constant since it opened at 7,” she said. “Which is good, we want people to come out and exercise their right to vote.”