A month behind the usual schedule, voters go to the polls on Thursday in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, where contested races for selectmen and measures on significant town projects are on the ballot.

In Oak Bluffs, four men are vying for two seats on the five-member board of selectmen. Oak Bluffs voters are also being asked to exempt bond debt on the new town hall project from the limitation on taxes under Proposition 2 1/2. A simple majority is needed for passage.

In Edgartown, three people are running for a single seat on the three-member board of selectmen. The Edgartown ballot also includes $1.6 million in spending requests, including $650,000 as part of a complicated land swap involving the Boys & Girls Club.

Polling hours are from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs library meeting room and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edgartown town hall. Voters must wear masks and maintain proper social distancing.

In Oak Bluffs, Michael Santoro and Brian Packish, who are both running for re-election, face opposition from Ryan Ruley and Rich Weiss. Mr. Santoro, who owns several restaurants, is seeking his fourth term as selectman. Mr. Packish, owner of Packish Properties, is seeking his second two-year term.

Mr. Santoro cited his collaboration with other town committees, resulting in multiple successes for the town in infrastructure improvements and revenue creation. He mentioned the fishing pier, North Bluff beach and County Road drainage project as examples.

At a candidates’ forum held this week by the League of Women Voters, he pointed to the town’s solid cash reserves, noting that the town has eliminated $1.8 million in debt since his election.

Expressing confidence in the town’s ability to weather the coronavirus outbreak, he added: “It’s like a hurricane hit us, but we have cash reserves and we will come out of this.”

Calling Oak Bluffs “the heartbeat of the Island,” Mr. Packish said he has worked hard to make government more accessible to the public since his election.

He also cited a need for more workforce and affordable housing, he said he’s worked to change the zoning in commercial districts to increase density. He is currently chairman of the board of selectmen.

Mr. Ruley, a police officer in Edgartown, is seeking his first elected office, describing himself as “pro-business, pro-public safety and extremely pro-education I consider myself to be an excellent listener, problem solver and an ultimate team player.”

A key goal of his candidacy, he said, is to improve visibility of the government get the public more involved.

“It’s our job as community leaders to get people out at meetings,” he said.

Rich Weiss, a member of the Oak Bluffs finance and advisory committee, said his passion and intensity would be an asset to the board.

“I have an innate desire to make Oak Bluffs as good as it can be. I believe very strongly that revenue is the key,” he said, adding that he is motivated to get things done quickly and efficiently.

“I feel like the results of the Covid-19 pandemic should motivate everybody to recognize at any given time the bottom can fall out of where we are

financially and that we should always be working as hard as we can to increase revenue streams,” he said.

In Edgartown, a three-way race for selectman has taken shape among longtime incumbent Margaret Serpa and younger challengers Juliet Mulinare and Joseph Monteiro.

Ms. Serpa, who is retired, has served on the board since 1999, and previously served as an assistant to the finance committee and as chairman of the town’s zoning board of appeals, among other roles.

She touted her long experience in local government at a candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women’s voters last Saturday.

“I think Edgartown has a great board of selectmen and town administrator. We work well together. Why rock the boat?” Ms. Serpa said. “We need steadfast continuity.”

Ms. Mulinare, a purchasing manager, previously worked for the town as the chief procurement officer. She also currently serves as the town’s dredge committee administrator. Ms. Mulinare said that while she agreed the town was very well-run, she felt it was time for a younger voice on the board.

She said she hoped to represent Edgartown as it balanced budgetary needs with concerns like affordable housing and regional spending issues.

“I do believe there is always an opportunity in government for younger voices to shine through and new ideas to put forth,” she said. “I think this year marks that opportunity.”

Mr. Monteiro, a chef and restaurant owner, acknowledged that he does not have extensive experience with local government but felt that his voice as a member of the business community was important during the pandemic. He said he deeply supported the town’s administrator, as well as their police and fire departments

“Sometimes it just needs a new voice, a new set of views. A new way to approach issues,” Ms. Monteiro said. “I’m not a politician by any means.”

There are also races for a seat on Edgartown’s planning board and the board of health.

Longtime planning board chairman Fred Mascolo, a business owner is being challenged by Robert Strayton, a chef. Board of health incumbent Meegan Lancaster, who works as the health agent for the town of Oak Bluffs, is being challenged by Joseph Alstat, a cheesemaker.