In what will likely go down in the history books as one of the most divisive and contentious presidential elections in history, Election Day—Tuesday, Nov. 5—is just around the corner.
Worcester residents can take advantage of early voting, which is open now at various locations through Nov. 1. Mail-in voting is also available, with applications mailed out by the Secretary of State’s office 45 days before the election. Remember, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5 and received by Nov. 9 to count.
Here’s a look at the local Worcester County ballot:
Presidential Race
- Democratic: Kamala Harris (vice president) and Tim Walz (governor of Minnesota)
- Republican: Donald Trump (former president) and JD Vance (Ohio senator)
- Other candidates:
- Shiva Ayyadurai (independent) & Crystal Ellis
- Claudia de la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation Party) and Karina Garcia
- Oliver Chase (Libertarian Party) and Michael ter Maat
- Jill Stein (Green Party) and Gloria Caballero-Roca
U.S. Senate
- Incumbent Elizabeth Warren faces Republican John Deaton, a Rhode Island native now residing in Bolton.
U.S. House of Representatives
- James McGovern (D, Worcester) seeks his 15th term, opposed by Cornelius Shea (independent).
- Richard Neal (D, Springfield) represents parts of Worcester County and is challenged by Nadia Donya Milleron (independent).
Massachusetts Senate
Key races include:
- Ryan Fattman (R, Sutton) vs. Anthony Allard (D, Monson)
- Rebecca Rausch (D, Needham) vs. Dashe Videira (R, Franklin)
- Peter Durant (R, Spencer) vs. Sheila Dibb (D, Rutland)
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Contested races:
- Kimberly Ferguson (R, Holden) vs. Anthony Ferrante (no party)
- Jonathan Zlotnik (D, Gardner) vs. Bruce Chester (R, Gardner)
- John Marsi (R, Dudley) vs. Jeanne Costello (D, Charlton)
The ballot questions for 2024
- Auditing the Legislature – Decides whether the state auditor can investigate the Legislature
- MCAS Graduation Requirement – Asks if the MCAS test should be removed as a high school graduation requirement
- Unionizing Rideshare Drivers – If passed, would allows rideshare drivers to unionize
- Legalizing Psychedelic Drugs – Proposes legalizing certain psychedelics such as psilocybin for therapeutic use
- Raising Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers – Seeks to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers
Want to vote early? Here is a list of Worcester locations, times and dates to do so.
For more information about mailing in a ballot, go here.
View the full specimen ballot here, and more importantly, be sure to vote by whatever method suits you best.
