amber@northstarreporter.com
On Nov. 5, North Attleborough residents gathered at the high school to cast their votes in a highly anticipated Election Day.
With a range of emotions in the air, voters expressed their feelings after leaving the polls and shared their motivations for participating in this year’s election.
Of the town’s 24,204 registered voters, 16,738 ballots were cast, an almost even split between early voting and voting done on Tuesday. It’s a little under 70% of the registered voters.
For some, casting their ballot evoked a mix of excitement and nervousness. Ansy Meriseo admitted to feeling “scared and tired,” while Ethan, voting in person for the first time, said he simply felt “good.”
Others, including Amy Arnold, expressed pride in the next generation’s involvement: “I’m excited for my daughter, it’s her first time voting.”
Another voter who preferred their name not be used, noted, ““I am happy to see young voters, regardless of the results—that’s positive.”
Along with the different legislative races, voters decided on five different ballot questions. In North Attleborough, Questions 1 and 2 [the state audit and MCAS] was a resounding success, while Questions 3-5 [network driver unions, psychedelics mushrooms and tipped workers] were all defeated.
Many citizens emphasized a commitment to participating in democracy, with a significant number of voters citing civic duty as their primary motivation. “It’s an opportunity that not everyone has,” said Hattie Ninteau, underscoring a sentiment shared by many.
Justin O’Malley described the election as “controversial,” noting, “Everyone’s voice counts, and everyone should have the chance to voice their concerns.”
Hopes for change were a recurring theme among voters. Alyssa Fortenberry, who voted with her children’s future in mind, expressed a wish for expanded rights, saying, “I want more people to have more rights…the rights that we are entitled to.” O’Malley pointed to economic concerns, hoping for “more profit for the average American,” while retiree Stacy Riseman simply wanted stability in her retirement fund.
There were also notable undercurrents of skepticism about the government and its responsiveness to citizen needs. Monica Cox voiced frustration with the state legislature, saying, “I’d like the state legislature to do its job,” while Ninteau admitted uncertainty about the impact of her vote but maintained, “I still want to contribute for whatever it’s worth.”
O’Malley echoed a sentiment of caution, stating, “Whether the person elected will help remains to be seen.”
