Joining their counterparts around the state and the country, Martha’s Vineyard voters turned out in large numbers to cast ballots Tuesday in the much-anticipated mid-term election.
Town clerks around the Island saw heavy day of voting, with lines forming early and remaining throughout the afternoon hours.
In West Tisbury every voting booth was filled just moments after the polls opened.
In Oak Bluffs the line started early and was still out the door by late afternoon.
It was a similar story in other towns, where voters appeared to pick up the heated electoral mood of the country, with pivotal races playing out in many states.
"I hope this is one example of what's happening in small communities around the country, letting them know that we count," said longtime Aquinnah resident Len Butler. By 4:30 p.m., 219 voters had cast ballots in the Island's smallest town, 60 per cent of the 371 registered.
In Tisbury poll worker Ken Eber reported seeing many first-time voters. “One thing they all have in common is they are all very excited and seem to be very interested in this election and believe their vote is important,” he said.
“This is up significantly from years past. There’s no lull,” town clerk Hillary Conklin said.
Early in the day the automatic voting machine was temperamental and periodically jamming, with voters quickly filled the polling room at the public safety building. Ms. Conklin scrambled to fix the problem and keep the peace. Some ballots were placed in the hand-count box and two lines formed for voters to turn in paper ballots.
The weather was mild with drizzle, light rain and gusty winds.
Early-morning voters who cast ballots spoke out. “I voted because I felt we need a change, and this is my opportunity,” said Chris Rasmussen in Tisbury.
“I think we’ve seen where apathy gets us,” said Molly Kiely who was voting for the first time in Massachusetts.
“I vote in every election. You can’t complain if you don’t vote. Well, you can, but not with a clean conscience,” said Davies Millett.
In Edgartown, Wanda Williams was watching over the ballot box in her last election as town clerk. Ms. Williams will retire on Nov. 30.
She too reported heavy voting. "This has been a really busy day," the longtime town clerk said with still three hours to go before the polls closed. She predicted that turnout would surpass the 2106 presidential election.
Polling places are as follows:
• Aquinnah, old town hall.
• Chilmark, Community Center.
• Edgartown, town hall.
• Oak Bluffs, public library.
• Tisbury, public safety building.
• West Tisbury, public safety building.
Dukes county races include a contest for clerk of superior court and state senator. Eight candidates are running for seven seats on the Dukes County Commission, and nine candidates are running for nine seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Voters will also face three state ballot questions on nurse-patient ratios, rethinking campaign spending and gender identity as grounds for discrimination.
More pictures from election day.
Landry Harlan, Holly Pretsky, Steve Myrick and Noah Asimow contributed reporting.
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