West Tisbury voters turned out steadily for the town election Thursday, casting ballots in a tightly-contested race for selectman that marks the end of the Island’s unprecedented election season.
One-term incumbent Kent Healy is being challenged for his seat by Michael Bellissimo, who represents West Tisbury on the Dukes County regional housing authority.
Mr. Healy is a longtime town resident and civil engineer who served on several committees before running for selectman in 2017. Mr. Bellissimo is a former health care executive and 20-year town resident.
Both have been steadily campaigning throughout the past month, sprinkling the town with their respective blue and green yard signs.
Beginning at 11 a.m., voters trickled into the public safety building through the large bay doors that house the town fire engines.
Significant safety precautions were in place, including ample sanitizer to wipe down all pens and booths after voting.
“We have seen a pretty steady turnout, more than usual for a town election,” said town clerk Tara J. Whiting-Wells. “Knock on wood, things seem to be going smoothly so far.”
As of 4 p.m., 286 voters had cast ballots, out of 2,584 registered voters in the town. Ms. Whiting-Wells said there were about double the absentee ballots cast than in the election last year.
On the lawn in front of the public safety building, one loan campaigner held a sign for incumbent Kent Healy. It happened to be his son.
Polls are set to close at 7 p.m., ending an election season that has seen two first-time challengers oust longtime incumbents.
There are no contests on the ballot.
Comments
Comment policy »