Westfield’s George W. Martin leaves the Ward 4B voting location this morning as residents across the city decide their next State Representative. Republican Dan Allie and Democrat John Velis are facing off for the position. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Candy Pennington places her ballot in a voting machine this morning at the Ward 4B location. Voters will be casting their ballots for Westfield’s next State Representative during today’s special election. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
BOSTON (AP) — Voters in six Massachusetts legislative districts are heading to the polls as the state continues to fill a slew of open Statehouse seats.
Districts with special elections today include the 2nd Suffolk House District (covering parts of Boston and Chelsea); the 13th Suffolk House District (covering parts of Boston and Quincy); and the 16th Suffolk House District (covering parts of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Saugus).
The 4th Hampden House District in Westfield and the 5th Middlesex Senate District (covering Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and part of Winchester) are also holding special elections.
A special primary election in Boston’s 5th Suffolk District will decide who fills the seat left vacant following the expulsion of former Rep. Carlos Henriquez after his conviction on two assault charges.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mark Fisher is planning to head to court after falling short of a primary ballot spot.
Fisher’s spokeswoman said yesterday the Shrewsbury businessman and Westfield native will ask a judge to intervene. The case has threatened a rift among Massachusetts Republicans.
Fisher has been looking to raise money for a possible challenge to the recent GOP state convention vote.
Charlie Baker easily won the party’s endorsement for governor.
Party officials said Fisher, a tea party member, received 14.765 percent of the delegate vote, just shy of the 15 percent required. The party counted blank votes toward the total. Had those not been included, Fisher would have qualified.
Baker said he respects Fisher’s decision and he’s confident the party will work to ensure the process was fair. He said if it’s determined a primary is needed, he’ll welcome it.
