According to the preliminary results of Tuesday’s state and presidential election, 80% of Acton’s 16,235 registered voters voted in the November 5 state and presidential elections, slightly less than the 2016 and 2020 elections (where 84% voted). Of the 12,945 votes cast, 76% were for Harris-Walz and 19% were for Trump-Vance.
In the race for US Senator, 73% voted for incumbent Elizabeth Ann Warren, while 25% voted for John Deaton. Warren won the election statewide with 59.6% of the vote.
For the unopposed races, 81% percent of Acton voters who voted supported US Representative Lori Trahan. Mara Dolan received 78% for Governor’s Councillor. State Senator James B.Eldridge was re-elected and had 80% of the Acton vote. Acton voters in the 14th Middlesex District re-elected Simon J. Cataldo as their state representative (78%), while those within the 37th Middlesex District re-elected Danillo A. Sena as their state representative (80%). Clerk of Courts Michael A. Sullivan received 77% of the Acton vote.
Maria C. Curtatone won 67% of Acton’s votes for Register of Deeds, while 19% supported William “Billy” Tauro.
Preliminary votes on the state ballot questions showed support from Acton voters on questions 1 and 3, with a majority voting no on questions 2, 4 and 5. Except for question 2, which passed statewide, Acton’s votes reflected the statewide numbers for the ballot initiatives. ,
Preliminary numbers for both Acton and statewide (WBUR) are as follows:
- Question 1. Allows audits of the state Legislature.
Acton: Yes: 68.3% (No: 25.5). Statewide: Yes: 71.5
- Question 2. Repeals requirement to pass a competency exam to graduate from high school.
Acton: Yes: 47.5% (No: 50.1). Statewide: Yes: 59.1
- Question 3. Allows ride-share drivers to form labor unions.
Acton: Yes: 54.7% (No: 40.2). Statewide: Yes: 53.8
- Question 4. Legalizes certain psychedelic substances.
Acton: Yes: 38.4% (No: 58.3). Statewide: No: 57
- Question 5. Raises the minimum wage for tipped workers.
Acton: Yes: 46.8% (No: 49.8). Statewide: No: 64.3
Poll worker Ann Chang said, “It was a steady stream even though I was in precinct 5. During the September primary, I was able to read my book, take a lunch break and two bathroom breaks. Tuesday I ate my sandwich while I continued to work and got in only one bathroom break. Although I felt I was busy (especially after I got home) only 80% of the registered voters voted.”
According to Town Clerk Leo Mercado, 60% of the total voters voted by mail this year, 12% of the total voters voted early in person, and the remaining 28% voted on election day in person. “The election went very well,” he said. “I had incredible support from the Town, Select Board and my fellow staff. This was definitely an event that required all hands on deck.”