Voters Turning Out for Pittsfield Election
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Voters are getting to the polls to elect the City Council, School Committee, city clerk, and a new mayor.
There were 6,050 votes cast more than halfway through the day, which is a 19.64 percent turnout. Numbers have already surpassed September's preliminary election, which had about 16 percent turnout.
The last mayoral election saw a 42 percent turnout.
Candidates and supporters sign-holding at the polling stations on the sunny Tuesday that had just a few raindrops.
Mayoral candidates Peter Marchetti and John Krol said they were feeling positive and looking forward to the results. Each has addressed alleged controversies during their campaigns.
"I'm feeling really great. There's been a lot of positive feedback from the voters so far today and a lot of thumbs up and waves," Marchetti said.
"So, we're looking forward to the eight o'clock hour when we'll start to hear the results."
Krol was feeling "amazing" and said he couldn't have asked for better November weather, adding it would help turnout and his campaign.
"I feel good," he said. "The vibes have been amazing. The people in this city have seen really everything that we've been talking about is resonating and at the polls, it's been just absolute positivity so we're excited."
Temperatures were in the low 60s early on Tuesday, though a chill wind picked up later in the afternoon and the skies threatened rain.
At-large candidates Pete White, Kathy Amuso, and Luke Marion are also feeling positive.
"I'm feeling good," White said, explaining that he is "cautiously optimistic."
Amuso explained that she has put in her best effort, going door to door, going to events, and sending out materials.
"I've done everything that I possibly could so I am hoping the outcome is positive for me," she said.
Marion is feeling excited and relaxed about the results, as it is the voters' choice.
"I'm not nervous at all," he said. "It's out of my hands. It's in everybody else's so there's nothing to be nervous about."
School Committee candidate William Garrity is feeling confident, as there are six people vying for six seats.
Garrity is looking to be a fresh set of eyes on the committee and recognizes the importance of addressing student's mental health needs.
"Budget season is going to come up real quick and with the end of the ESSER funds, one of the first priorities we need to figure out is how do we continue to support students' mental health after the ESSER funds run out under our current budget," he explained.
"Because I think students' mental health is one of the most important things we need to address."
By 3 p.m., 1,274 Ward 1 voters had cast their ballots at Reid Middle School. Voter turnout has risen from around 500 voters between 9 a.m. and noon to nearly 700 from noon to 3 p.m. as more residents visit the polling station.
Ward 5 precinct A had more than 390 votes cast by 3 p.m.
Look for results on iBerkshires later tonight.
Tags: election 2023, municipal election,
