Hingham Town Election Underway

By Carol Meyer
​
Voting in this year's town election season is ongoing.

That's because due to COVID-19, Hingham voters have the opportunity to submit absentee or early voting ballots ahead of -- and up to -- the actual Saturday, June 27, date -- postponed from May 2.

 In-person voting will take place on the day of the town election for those voters -- wearing face masks and keeping a social distance from others who are casting ballots  -- who don't wish to submit either of the above ballots.

The election features one race -- for school committee.  William Ramsey is the sole candidate for the selectman seat currently occupied by Karen Johnson, who is not seeking reelection. Initially there was a race, but Kirk Shilts decided this week to withdraw his candidacy.

There's  a three-way race for two school committee seats among incumbent Michelle Ayer, Stephanie Gertz, and Jennifer Benham. Edward Schreier is not running for another term.

Rita Da Silva is running unopposed for Ramsey's planning board seat, which expires this year. Several incumbents are running unopposed.

Town Clerk Eileen McCracken is predicting a voter turnout (including early voting and absentee ballot submissions) of between 15 to 20 percent, which is typical of most town elections. The "turnout" could be higher because of the high number of absentee ballots that have been requested, she said.

Go to https://hinghamanchor.com/absentee-and-early-voting-ballots-available-by-mail/#more-12214 for election information.

For those who choose to vote in-person, here's where to go:

• Precincts 1-4 - Hingham High School, 17 Union St.

1. Precincts 5, 5A (Linden Ponds), 6 - Hingham Middle School, 1103 Main St.

The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Be sure to exercise your right to vote!

---