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Date: 10/26/2022
WESTFIELD – 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 Westfield will see a race between incumbent state Sen. John Velis, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Cecilia Calabrese. State representatives Kelly Pease and Michael Finn, whose districts cover Westfield, are running for re-election unopposed.
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.
The precincts in Westfield that fall within Finn’s House district will weigh in on a non-binding fifth question, asking if they support Massachusetts adopting a “single-payer” medical care system.
Westfield will host in-person early voting every weekday and Saturday until Nov. 4. All voters, regardless of precinct, can vote early in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 59 Court St., Westfield. Remaining early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, Oct. 31 to Nov 4.
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.