Islanders have been turning out Tuesday to cast their ballots for the state representative primary and other races. The polls remain open in all six towns until 8 p.m.
The top race for the Vineyard is the Democratic state representative primary between Arielle Faria and Thomas Moakley. The pair are hoping to replace state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, who, after four terms, is seeking a mainland senate seat.
Ms. Faria, a West Tisbury resident and staunch housing advocate, and Mr. Moakley, a Falmouth resident and former Vineyard assistant district attorney, were both doing some last minute campaigning around the Island Tuesday.
Ms. Faria voted in West Tisbury in the morning before going around to each town. During her stop at the Oak Bluffs polls, she met with campaign volunteers and encouraged residents to vote.
“It’s been a lot of work since I pulled my papers in February, and it’s all coming together,” she told the Gazette. “I tell my supporters and community members that no matter the outcome, I’m still going to do the work.”
Ms. Faria said that when she stood outside of the West Tisbury polling station with her family, people honked their car horns and called out their windows to share their support.
“Ultimately, it is the choice of the people, and I am behind whatever choice that they make,” Ms. Faria said.
Mr. Moakley was also in West Tisbury Tuesday morning, trying to get out the vote.
“It’s your opportunity to have a voice in government,” he said. “It’s your opportunity to make your choice about who’s making decisions on your behalf. It’s honestly a little indication of confidence that the future can be just a little bit better.”
Voters cited different motivations after casting their ballots.
John and Sharon Kelly went to the polls together in Oak Bluffs, but were split between Ms. Faria and Mr. Moakley. Mr. Kelly voted for Ms. Faria and Ms. Kelly voted for Mr. Moakley.
“[Ms. Faria’s] interest in the housing issue is important and the fact that she’s an African American woman is something that swayed me,” said Mr. Kelly.
Ms. Kelly voted for Mr. Moakley because of his experience in different areas throughout the district, which includes the Vineyard, Gosnold, Nantucket and parts of Falmouth.
“I feel that having an intimate knowledge of both Falmouth and the Islands is important,” Ms. Kelly said. “It is important to remember that there are issues beyond our immediate community. We need to have a broader perspective.”
Housing played on the mind of Oak Bluffs voter Robyn Twomey and she voted for Ms. Faria. Since she moved to the Island in 2020, Ms. Twomey said she’s seen how the affordable housing crisis has made it difficult for people from all walks of life to live here.
“I really appreciate diversity in my community in all levels,” Ms. Twomey said.
David Blackburn, a 74-year old Edgartown voter, decided to vote for Mr. Moakley after running into the candidate at the bank near his polling station.
“I have very little to do with town politics but Thomas Moakley made a point to come up and shake my hand, ask me how I was doing and what my politics were,” Mr. Blackburn said. “Therefore, he got my vote.”
Chilmark resident Rebecca Haag also voted for Mr. Moakley, citing his work in setting up a recovery court on Island and his support for women’s reproductive rights.
“The fact he actually achieved something by saying, ‘We can’t just prosecute these people. We have to help get them into recovery’ — I just think that’s terrific,” she said.
Though there are no Republicans running in the primary, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary would likely run unopposed in the November general election, some voters were writing in candidates.
West Tisbury voter Gene Fish decided to write in Falmouth resident Erich Horgan.
“The country is in turmoil right now,” said Mr. Fish, a long-time supporter of former President Donald Trump. “Whatever these people can help [with], I’m for [it].”
Voters also weighed in on candidates for the state’s U.S. senate seat. Elizabeth Warren is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate while three Republicans vie for the spot on the Republican ticket. Tyler Araujo, of Oak Bluffs, voted for John Deaton in the Republican race.
“He falls more in line with the things I’m interested in, mostly the economy,” Mr. Araujo said.
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