WESTFIELD – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the State Primary election this Thursday, September 8.
There are few contested races on Westfield’s ballot. Congressman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Representative John C. Velis (D-Westfield) are running unopposed. State Senator Donald F. Humason (R-Westfield) has a Democratic challenger in Jerome Parker O’Grady of Southampton, but that race will be decided on November 8.
The only races in the State Primary in Westfield are on the Democratic party ballot. Democrats Mary E. Hurley of Longmeadow and Jeffrey S. Morneau of East Longmeadow are competing to serve on the Governor’s Council Eighth District seat vacated by Michael J. Albano, with no Republican in the race.
For Sheriff of Hampden County, Democrats Michael J. Albano of Longmeadow, Thomas Ashe of Springfield, Nick Cocchi of Ludlow and John F. (Jack) Griffin of Springfield are competing against each other in the State Primary, and the winner will face Republican John F. Comerford of Palmer in November.
The Westfield ballots for the Green-Rainbow Party and the United Independent Party for the State Primary are blank.
Members of political parties may vote only in their own party’s primary elections, according to State Secretary William F. Galvin. Unenrolled voters (commonly referred to as “Independents”) and members of political designations or minor parties may vote in the party primary of their choice. Choosing to vote in a particular party’s primary does not enroll you as a member of that party.
Westfield City Clerk Karen M. Fanion said she is anticipating a low voter turnout on Thursday.
There is a similar picture in Huntington, but with some different players. Congressman Neal is on the ballot, and the Governor’s Council race is the same as in Westfield with Hurley vs. Morneau.
State Representative Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington) is running unopposed.
Democrats competing for the seat being vacated by State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield), who announced in January that he would not be seeking a sixth term, are Rinaldo Del Gallo of Lenox, Andrea C. Harrington of Richmond, and Adam G. Hinds of Pittsfield. The winner of the Democratic primary will compete against Republican Christine M. Canning of Lanesborough in November.
For Hampshire County Sheriff, Democrats Patrick J. Cahillane of Northampton, Kavern L. Lewis of Amherst, and Melissa E. Perry of Northampton are squaring off in the primary. The winner will compete against Republican David F. Isakson of South Hadley in November.
As in Westfield, the United Independent and Green-Rainbow Party ballots in Huntington are blank.
Huntington Clerk Andrea McKittrick is also expecting a low turnout.
“Everyone’s excited about the presidential race,” McKittrick said, adding that few people seem to care about the primary.
