By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Despite the entire Town Council being on the ballot, response from voters in the April 6 Town Election has been limited.
As of 3 p.m., only 863 voters had cast their ballots, along with another 92 absentee and mail-in ballots. This amounts to approximately 4 percent of the town’s registered voters. Inside the North Attleborough High School, the sole voting location, crowds were small and few voters could be seen.
But those that voted were resolute in being involved. Wendy McHugh has been a regular at the polls for the last 25 years. She said that the impact of the votes on the community is a direct one.
“The schools, public works—their decisions all affect us,” said McHugh.
Iyabode Akinboboye said this year was her first voting in the Town Election. She said that over the last few years she has been learning much about the local and national elections and with children in the town’s schools, wanted to be involved.
“I see the impacts,” said Akinboboye. “I just want to participate.”
Russet and Bill Marrow have been actively involved in the local elections for years, but have found it hard to find information on the candidates. Bill said if there was an override on the ballot that would bring in a large turnout. In Plainville, the April 5 ballot saw approximately 40 percent of the voters to decide on a nearly $2 million override.
“Back when there was RTM there was a lot of voter apathy, it was hard to get candidates for that,” said Bill. “In the last two years you don’t hear much.”
Russet said there could be more required classes at the high school that show the impact of local elections.
“It’s our responsibility,” she said of getting out to vote.
This year’s election sees a contested race for the nine-member Town Council, with a total of 12 candidates. There is also a race for the Electric Commission, with three vying for two open seats. Those running for seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Public Works, and School Committee are doing so unopposed.
