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Date: 10/26/2022
WESTERN MASS. – Election Day isn’t until Nov. 8, but voters are already making their voice heard.
Early voting in the state election started Oct. 22 in cities and towns across Massachusetts, and continues until Nov. 4. The ballot includes statewide contested races for governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor.
Local candidates include incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Dean Martilli, and an open race for governor’s councilor pitting Republican John Comerford against Democrat Tara Jacobs.
The state Senate district that includes Russell and Montgomery will see a race between incumbent state Sen. John Velis, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Cecilia Calabrese. Though Granville and Tolland are currently represented by Velis, they were redistricted this year and voters will instead help choose a new senator for an open seat in the Berkshires-centered district that also includes Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Otis and several towns to the west and north. The candidates are Democrat Paul Mark and independent Brendan Phair.
Voters in Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell and Tolland have a choice between incumbent state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Anthony Russo. Tolland and the Gateway towns are new additions to this district. Otis remains in its previous district, where voters will choose between incumbent state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, a Democrat, and Green-Rainbow Party candidate Michael Silvio Lavery.
Voters will also help decide four statewide ballot questions. Question 1 would establish a 4 percent surtax on incomes above $1 million, added to the existing 5 percent income tax. Question 2 would require dental insurers to spend at least 83 percent of premiums on dental care, rather than administrative payments. Question 3 would increase the number of liquor sales licenses a single company can own from nine to 15. Question 4 would confirm (“yes”) or repeal (“no”) the state law allowing residents without legal immigration status to receive driver’s licenses.
Early voting will be offered in the Hilltowns on selected dates and times from Oct. 22 to Nov. 4, in each town’s respective town hall. Remaining opportunities for in-person voting in each town, according to the secretary of state’s office, are:
• Blandford (1 Russell Stage Rd.):
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 29
5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31
• Chester (15 Middlefield Rd.):
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 27
9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 29
1-5 p.m. on Nov. 1
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 3
10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 4
• Granville (707 Main Rd.):
10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27
9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 29
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 3
3-5 p.m. on Nov. 4
• Huntington (24 Russell Rd.):
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 29
6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2
• Montgomery (161 Main Rd.):
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 28
9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 29
• Otis (1 N. Main Rd.):
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 27
9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 29
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 3
• Russell (62 Main St.):
5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4
3-5 p.m. on Oct. 29
• Tolland (241 W. Granville Rd.):
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 29
3-5 p.m. on Nov. 1
Polls will be open statewide 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in all cities and towns on Nov. 8. Any registered voter who has not yet voted can cast a ballot that day.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 29. The last day to obtain an early voting ballot by mail is Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.