ADAMS, Mass. — Maria Ziemba won a six-year term as Northern Berkshire register of deeds on Tuesday. 

 

Ziemba will succeed Frances Brooks, who has worked at the Registry for more than 56 years, 14 of them as register. 

 

"The results blew my mind I never expected such a turnout and I am so humbled," Ziemba said after being reached at home. "I am on Cloud 9 ... tonight has proven that people have responded to my campaign and I am forever grateful."

 

She and her opponent, First Assistant Register Deborah Moran, had run on their experiences working in the Registry. Both have more than two decades of experience. 

 

Ziemba, however, was able to pull out a decisive win for an office that rarely makes ripples in people's minds in the six years between elections. Moran could not be reached for comment but had said earlier at the polls that she hoped she had educated people on the Registry's functions and importance. 

 

Both women had started out early in the day standing out in the rain at polling stations. Moran had been hopeful but it was Ziemba who racked up a nearly 3 to 1 victory in the end. 

 

Ziemba earned 9,865 votes to Moran's 3,182 with Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Lanesborough, North Adams and Williamstown reporting unofficial results. Florida, Hancock, New Ashford, Savoy and Windsor were still outstanding but would not have enough votes to make up the difference.