Swampscott Live: Turnout Surprises at Precincts 3&4

8:56 p.m.:

Here are your unofficial results for Board of Selectmen and School Committee.

1:30 p.m.:

At about 1:30 p.m., the voter turnout at Precincts 3 and 4 at First Church Swampscott, Congregational, was surprisingly high, said Prec. 4 Warden Theresa Grasso.

Four hundred and ninety-five people had cast ballots already at Prec. 4, and 316 at Prec. 3.

Clerk Kay Grasso said, by comparison, Prec. 4 had only 138 votes cast in the entire local election n 2009.

She thought the combined US Senate primary/local election may have accounted for the good showing.

Outside, Michael Patriarca of Swampscott said the senate primary, and a vote for Edward Markey — as well as the School Committee race — brought him out, though he usually votes in local elections.

Several sign-toting candidates waved to passers-by at the curb across from the rotary at Monument Avenue.

Selectman hopeful John Callahan said he had been out since 8 a.m.

School Committee incumbent Jaren Landen was there, as well, taking a break from work to campaign during lunch.

Check back with Patch for more updates and the results tonight.

The polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Election Day — voting in the local election and the special U.S. Senate primary election. 

Swampscott Polling Locations

Precincts 1 & 2. Swampscott Senior Center, 200 Rear Essex St.

Precincts 3 & 4., Monument Ave.

Precincts 5 & 6. Swampscott Middle School, Forest Ave.

Town Clerk's Outlook

Town Clerk Susan Duplin said applications for absentee ballots have been light for both elections, and this is usually a good indication of turnout.

 Swampscott has 9,919 registered voters; 93 have applied for absentees for the town election, 88 have applied for absentees for the special state primary.

"If I had to guess on the turnout I would have to say 25 percent to 30 percent," the town clerk said.

For primary voting Independent voters must declare a party when obtaining a ballot.

All absentee ballots can be hand delivered by the voter, a family member or by an assisting person.  All absentees must arrive in the Clerk’s Office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Candidates

The Board of Selectmen has two open seats, both for 3-year terms.

Candidates in no particular order:

Matthew Strauss

Patryk Januszewski

John J. Callahan

Charles Patsios

The School Committee has two seats, both for 3-year terms.

Candidates in no particular order:

Jaren Landen (incumbent)

Amy L. O’Connor

Carin T. Marshall

MODERATOR-Vote for not more than One-1-Year Term

Joseph Markarian        Candidate for Re-Election

BOARD OF ASSESSORS-Vote for not more than One/3-Year Term

Neil G. Sheehan          Candidate for Re-Election

TRUSTEE OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY-Vote for not more than One/3-Year Term

Marianne McDermott    Candidate for Re-Election

BOARD OF HEALTH-Vote for not more than One/3-Year Term

Lawrence S. Block       Candidate for Re-Election

PLANNING BOARD-Vote for not more than One/5-Year Term

Joseph R. Young  NEW Candidate

HOUSING AUTHORITY-Vote for not more than One/5-Year Term

Richard M. Callahan     Candidate for Re-Election

CONSTABLE-Vote for not more than Three/3-Year Term

Paul Minsky                Candidate for Re-Election

Stephen B. Simmons    Candidate for Re-Election

Christopher DiPietro

Residents can either call the Town Clerk’s Office (781-596-8855) or visit the Town’s website (www.town.swampscott.ma.us) for additional election information including to view the ballots prior to visiting the polls.