ELECTION: Precinct Roundup in Westford

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Poll workers welcomed a steady stream of Westford voters on November 3rd with all eyes on the Presidential candidates, incumbent Donald Trump (Republican) and challenger Joe Biden (Democrat). To win the election a candidate needs 270 electoral votes.

But this Presidential election was unlike any before it. Voters had the option to mail in or drop off their ballots in advance, placing a heavy responsibility on town and city clerks.

Inside her office at Town Hall, Westford Town Clerk Patty Dubey estimated that more than half of the town’s 18,000 registered voters had cast early ballots. Her day had begun at 5:15 a.m. and she said she didn’t expect to finish processing the final submissions until 11 p.m. Dubey assured voters that every ballot received would be included in her final count. Praising her staff and other Town Hall employees who helped process thousands of ballots, Dubey also had good things to say about the Post Office employees who — not being allowed to forward the ballots —  would contact her when a batch arrived at the Littleton Road facility.

• At the Stony Brook School (precinct 5) Warden Mindy Socolow helped an hispanic voter who spoke no English complete her provisional ballot. The voter called a bilingual friend who translated information in Spanish and English to help Socolow.
• Also at precinct 5, Chrissy Murrin, 27, voted for the first time, explaining that she views this election as important. It will determine the next generation’s future, she said.
• At the Blanchard School (precinct 2), Warden Jim Gozzo said he had opened the doors to voters at 7 a.m. By 7:30 a.m. the line of voters was outside the door and down the sidewalk.
• Inside the Abbot School, Warden Judith Culver said the flow of voters was steady and contained.
• At 8:45 a.m., Thomas Sanders arrived  with his father, Chris, a member of the Westford School Committee, and his mother, Marienne Moro Sanders. Thomas was voting for the first time.
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  Patty Dubey. PHOTO BY JOYCE PELLINO CRANE

  

  Precinct 5 warden, Mindy Socolow helps a non-English speaking voter. PHOTO BY JOYCE PELLINO CRANE

  

  Thomas Sanders votes on his 18th birthday. PHOTO JOYCE PELLINO CRANE