ORANGE — Alexandre A. Schwanz, Orange Elementary School Committee member, stood outside the Orange Armory while the afternoon sun beat down on the pavement as he held a sign in support of state Senate candidate Chelsea Kline.
Schwanz said he had been at the polling place since 6:45 a.m.
“I think this area really needs strong representation in Beacon Hill. Kline has been in the area quite a few times learning our issues,” he said.
As a member of the local school committee, Schwanz said education is an important issue to him.
“That is why I support (Kline) — she supports reform to the Chapter 70 funding which is essential to our school committee… we need that ally,” he said.
After campaigning all summer, voters headed to the polls Tuesday for primary day across the state. Candidates for governor, secretary of state, Congress and more all were aiming to secure a spot on November’s ballot.
The open seat to replace former Senate President Stan Rosenberg of the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester Senate District was one of several state legislative races to watch.
The only candidate on the ballot, Chelsea Kline of Northampton, was up against three other Democrats – Ryan O’Donnell, Steven Connor and Jo Comerford — all three of whom were write-ins.
Carl Sauter of Orange made his way to the armory early Tuesday around 5 a.m. to try and encourage individuals “to be more enthusiastic about voting.” Sauter held a Comerford sign high while he stood alongside other people on the grass outside the armory. As a voter he said he aims to research each candidate to educate himself on their platform.
“Even if I don’t know much about the candidate, I do some kind of background check to try and get information about their story and experience or what they feel like they can do if they get the job,” said Sauter.
“I would like to see more women get into government. I think that the male domination of a lot of stuff isn’t doing us good,” he said.
Deb Habib, executive director of Seeds of Solidarity Education Center and Susan Marshall of Orange, both braved the heat as well to show their support for Comerford as they stood outside with an umbrella over their heads.
“I took the day off to be here because it is so important,” said Habib. “I voted first thing this morning — I wanted to test out how the ballot felt to do a write-in so I could be informed when others ask. It is always a great feeling to vote.”
Though Comerford may be a write-in candidate, Habib said she has been able to gain support and mobilize individuals across the area in a short period of time.
“Because there is only one person on the ballot and so many write-ins, it is particularly important to help illuminate what is going on,” she said.
Leading up to primary day Habib said she participated in a phone bank to encourage voters to get to the polls. She also penned a letter in support of Comerford that she sent out to friends and community members.
“I felt like for me, if I am confused about what is going on or not sure if I should vote, if someone shares information with me in a way I respect, it helps me make sense of it all,” she said.