Tobias Glidden, a fifth generation Nantucketer, is running for Cape and Islands state representative as an independent candidate. But if elected, he said he intends to work with the Democratic party.

Dylan Fernandes defeated four challengers in the September Democratic primary, winning 1,337 votes from the Island. He calls the state representative’s seat his dream job.

Julian Cyr is a native of Truro who has been active in politics since high school.

Tony Schiavi is a longtime Harwich resident, retired from a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he achieved the rank of brigadier general.

Voters were waiting outside early voting locations before they opened in several Island towns Monday morning, as Massachusetts town clerks officially started collecting ballots two weeks before the traditional election day.

Neal Maciel is a third-generation Islander who retired from a 35-year career in law enforcement in 2010.

Bob Ogden holds the title of special sheriff in the Dukes County sheriff’s department, where he has worked his entire career.

Paulo DeOliveira, 32, is a resident of Edgartown and a native of Brazil. He moved from Brazil to Boston at age 15, and moved permanently to Martha’s Vineyard 11 years ago.

Martina Thornton, 40, of Edgartown is a native of the Czech Republic who moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2001. She lives in Edgartown.

For the first time this year, voters on Martha’s Vineyard and across the state can choose to cast their ballots up to two weeks prior to election day. Early voting starts on Oct. 24.