New Bedford Election Day: Polls are open

Frank Mulligan, The Standard-Times

NEW BEDFORD — It's election day in New Bedford. The polls are open and we will be following the election live throughout the day as the city's registered voters make their selections for the city's next leaders.

Here's what you need to know heading to the polls today.

Who's running for mayor in New Bedford?

In the mayoral race, incumbent Jon Mitchell is facing challenger Richard Tyson Moultrie. The two faced off for the city's top seat in the 2019 race too, which Mitchell won 6,778 to Moultrie's 2,483.

Jon Mitchell, current Mayor of New Bedford and mayoral candidate
Jon Mitchell, current Mayor of New Bedford and mayoral candidate
At a candidate forum on Oct. 25, mayoral candidate Richard Tyson Moultrie said he hoped for greater voter turnout for the municipal election on Nov. 7.
At a candidate forum on Oct. 25, mayoral candidate Richard Tyson Moultrie said he hoped for greater voter turnout for the municipal election on Nov. 7.

What are the contested City Council Ward races in New Bedford?

The race for Ward 1's city council seat is between Zoning Board of Appeals member Leo Choquette and incumbent William "Brad" Markey. Just 44 votes separated the pair in 2021, which gave Markey his third term on the board.

From left, Leo Choquette and incumbent William "Brad" Markey are seen at a candidate forum on Oct. 25.
From left, Leo Choquette and incumbent William "Brad" Markey are seen at a candidate forum on Oct. 25.

There is also a contested race for the Ward 5 seat on the City Council between former Ward 6 city councilor and council president Joseph P. Lopes and Zachary R. Boyer. They polled 666 and 377 votes, respectively, in the preliminary election.

From left, Zachary R. Boyer and Joseph P. Lopes are seen at a candidate forum on Oct. 25.
From left, Zachary R. Boyer and Joseph P. Lopes are seen at a candidate forum on Oct. 25.

Current Ward 5 Councilor Scott Lima opted to run for an at-large council seat in this election.

In the at-large council race, 10 candidates are vying for the five at-large seats.

Who are the at-large New Bedford City Council candidates?

The at-large City Council candidates are, in order of their finish in the preliminary: Ian Abreau, (incumbent); Shane Burgo, (incumbent); Brian Gomes, (incumbent); Linda Morad, (incumbent); Naomi Carney, (incumbent); Scott Lima, (Ward 5 incumbent); Devin B. Byrnes; Bruce Wayne Duarte Jr., Guelmie Santiago, Joyce Rowley.

A woman casts her ballot at the Buttonwood Park Warming House polling station in New Bedford.
A woman casts her ballot at the Buttonwood Park Warming House polling station in New Bedford.

What are the uncontested races?

The remaining council Ward races are uncontested. Incumbent council candidates running unopposed in the Municipal Election are:

Ward 2, Maria E. Giesta; Ward 3, Shawn Oliver; Ward 4, Derek Baptiste; and Ward 6, Ryan Joseph Pereira

A voter celebrates after casting his ballot at the Buttonwood Park Warming House polling station in New Bedford.
A voter celebrates after casting his ballot at the Buttonwood Park Warming House polling station in New Bedford.

Is there a School Committee election in New Bedford?

The School Committee races are also uncontested, and feature incumbents:

Bruce J. Oliveira, Joaquim B. Livramento Jr. and Christopher Allen Cotter

Assessor-at-large is also uncontested, with incumbent Martin "Marty" Treadup seeking re-election.

There were 33 votes tallied at 5B by 12:20 p.m.
There were 33 votes tallied at 5B by 12:20 p.m.

What time do the polls open and close in New Bedford?

The polls open at 7 a.m. and close 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Where do I vote in New Bedford's election?

You can determine your polling location by entering your address in a database on the Secretary of State's website.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Bedford city election; mayor's race, city council

Advertisement