NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Voters in much of North County head to the polls today to select the Democratic Party nominee for the 1st Berkshire District. 

 

Only one winner will emerge in the state representative special election primary between John Barrett III, a former mayor; Stephanie Bosley, daughter of a prior holder of the seat; Lisa Blackmer, a city councilor; and Kevin Towle, a legislative aide.

 

More on the candidates can be found on our election page.

 

Based on past voting performance, Tuesday's winner could well be considered the presumptive state representative, although it's possible Republican candidate Christine Canning could pull an upset in the November general election. 

 

The race for the 1st Berkshire is the only primary in Berkshire County on Tuesday. The candidates are seeking to fill the seat of Cariddi, who died earlier this year during her fourth term. Cariddi won the primary in 2010 and coasted to victory that November with no opponent; she faced no other challengers in her next three races. All four candidates are connected to Cariddi: Towle worked for her, both Barrett and Blackmer served in public office with her, and she filled the seat that Bosley's father stepped away from.

 

The primary in 2010 that sent Cariddi to the State House had a turnout of more than 30 percent in North County, but it also featured a primary for county sheriff. In both cases, it was the first time in decades that the 1st Berkshire seat (24 years) and the sheriff (32 years) did not have an incumbent running. 

 

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting will take place in the 1st Berkshire District of Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams, and Williamstown. You can find your polling location here. 

 

Only voters who are unenrolled in a party can select either the Republican ballot (with Canning's single name on it) or the Democratic ballot with the four candidates. Those enrolled as Democratics or Republicans can only vote on the primary ballot for their respective parties.