The fall 2014 election season begins in earnest next week, as Vineyarders join voters statewide in going to the polls for the state primary. Polls will be open in all Vineyard towns from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Marion Mudge’s preparation for Tuesday’s Tisbury town election began well before the actual event. Absentee ballots were sent out, members of the fire and public works departments were consulted for setup, voting booths arranged, signs posted and stocks of snacks purchased at the grocery store for election volunteers.
As Tisbury town clerk for the past 30 years, Ms. Mudge has kept track of Tisbury’s vital records — its births, deaths, marriages and civil unions. But elections remain her favorite part of the job.
Incumbent selectman Beverly Wright stressed her experience over the past three years while challenger Julianne Vanderhoop emphasized helping the younger generation during a candidates forum in the old town hall Wednesday night. The town election is May 14.
A new selectman and a contested town clerk race await Tisbury voters when they head to the polls next Tuesday. The town will also vote on its first general budget override in more than 20 years.
A sparse turnout of Chilmark voters at the annual town election Wednesday overwhelmingly approved two override questions to help pay for education costs. Warren Doty was elected to a sixth term as selectman
Oak Bluffs voters spoke their mind on money matters in the ballot box Thursday, approving overrides for the town operating budget and a new $8.3 million fire station. But an override for the $6.8 million project to rebuild the town hall failed. Elections were also held in Edgartown and West Tisbury.
