Politics & Government

Stoneham Clerk's Office Readies for State Primary Election

Stoneham hopes to get at least 20 percent of its voters to participate in the election on Thursday, Sept. 6, according to Town Clerk Maria Sagarino.

With the State Primary Election on Thursday, Sept. 6, Stoneham is hoping to get 25 to 30 percent of its registered voters to participate in the process, according to Maria Sagarino.

"The State Primary held in 2008 before the last Presidential Election had 25 (percent) turnout. Those primary ballots were similar in terms of contested races as the ballots this time around. I do expect more than 15 (percent). I'm thinking 25-30 (percent)," Sagarino said. "We have Stoneham Selectman John DePinto running against State Rep. Jason Lewis for the Democratic nomination for State Rep. That brings it a little closer to home with a Stoneham candidate. Hopefully that'll bring out voters. 

"The Register of Deeds race and Governor's Council are also contested on the Democratic ballot as well, so there should be some interest. The Republican ballot has a contested race for Representative in Congress for the 5th Congressional District's Republican nomination. (However), nothing is contested on the Green Rainbow party's ballot."

Find out what's happening in Stonehamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, as Stonehamites can cast their ballots at .

Stoneham is spending approximately $7,500 on the election, according to Sagarino. The costs cover paying election workers, coding the machines to read ballots and a police detal, according to Sagarino. 

Find out what's happening in Stonehamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Meanwhile, the state covers the costs to print the ballots, Sagarino said. The state has provided the town with more than 10,000 ballots, she added.

"We have about 50 (election workers working) consistently throughout the day," Sagarino said. "Three at the check-in for each precinct and three at the checkout. Then there are the election officials. There is a warden who opens and closes the polls and handles most of the election duties. A deputy warden, clerk, deputy clerk and some inspectors."

Of the 14,835 voters registered in Stoneham as of Aug. 17 (the registration deadline for the State Primary Election), 14,785 are eligible to vote in this primary, according to Sagarino.

"In a perfect world, all 14,785 would come out to vote," Sagarino said. "(But) I'd like to see at least 20 (percent) turnout."


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