Early voting kicks off in local communities

Date: 10/28/2016

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts commenced early voting on Monday, following in line with 33 other states in the nation that offer the option. Several Western Massachusetts communities strong interest in casting ballots before the Nov. 8 general election.

Westfield City Clerk Karen M. Fanion reported over 500 registered voters cast ballots on Monday and Tuesday. The city of Westfield has around 25,000 registered voters. Clerks hope the new process will mean shorter lines on election day.

“They love it. They actually think it's very convenient and they’re very happy we're doing it,” Fanion said. “It’s all positive feedback.”

Fanion said she and her staff prepared for several contingencies when the polls opened at City Hall on Monday. “We were prepared to have it busy. We had enough workers. We're all set,” she said. She expects the process will remain in place until the round of early voting occurs.

The hours for early voting in Westfield are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fanion extended voting hours on Thursday until 9 p.m. The polls will be open in Westfield this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Voters are given a two-page ballot and an envelope to place the ballot in. The sealed envelope will be opened and the ballots tallied on Nov. 8. “It's exactly like showing up at the polls on election day,” Fanion said.

She expected a steady stream of voters on Wednesday and the remainder of the week. Fanion noted the busiest times appear to be at opening until 10:30 a.m., followed by a slight lull until 1 p.m.

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot until Nov. 7. All absentee ballots must be received by the clerk's office before the polls close on Nov. 8.

West Springfield City Clerk Otto Frizzell said Town Hall welcomed 200 early voters on Monday and around the same on Tuesday. Like Westfield, the new process received positive reviews.

“I would consider this a success from the standpoint of voter convenience The lines, even when there have been lines, have been shorter than we expected them on election day,” he said. “To be able to walk in and vote in a presidential election in ten-to-fifteen minutes is a good turnaround time.”

Frizzell's staff assisted voters with the new process, including filling out the envelope the ballot is placed in. “It’s a step beyond than giving their name like they do on election day. It’s a little more complicated but I don't think that’s taking away the convenience of the process overall. People are a little surprised at that but they’re not upset.”

He added voters who normally cast absentee ballots are more familiar with the process. The envelope ensures the ballot is protected until election day. “The peace of mind the secret ballot being maintained is also there,” Frizzell said.

West Springfield voters can cast an early ballot Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Town Hall will be opened Oct.29 from 8 a.m. to noon. Hours will be extended until 7 pm., on Nov. 3.

In Holyoke, a special early voting session was held at the Holyoke Soldiers Home on Wednesday. Besides the City Hall polling location, which is open normal business hours. City Clerk Brenna McGee will open a polling station at the Holyoke Senior Center on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

McGee also scheduled a morning session at Holyoke High School on Thursday.