Election Official Hopeful for Higher Turnout in Melrose This Year Than 2011

Updated at 3:36 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5

As of 3:20 p.m., "we currently have (had) approximately 13 (percent) turnout, which is a little higher than we thought for this time," said Melrose Election Administrator Linda-Lee Angiolillo. "We are thinking 18-20 (percent) by the end of the evening."


Initial Report


With barely any contested races to speak of during the city's biennial election in 2011, Election Administrator Linda-Lee Angiolillo is hopeful for a better turnout during Tuesday's election.

In 2011, only 9.5 percent of the registered voters in Melrose participated in the city election, according to Angiolillo. In the only contested race in the city, Bill Forbes was re-elected as a Ward 7 alderman, defeating challenger Frank Murphy.

However, Tuesday's election features multiple contested races, including several candidates in the School Committee and Board of Aldermen races.

Angiolillo said she is "cautiously optimistic" that the city will see a turnout in the 15-18 percent range. "This one should be a little better," she said. Angiolillo didn't have current turnout numbers immediately available, but we'll post any updates we receive from the City Clerk's Office.

As far as the election day operation is concerned, Angiolillo said the polls opened at 7 a.m. without any problems and no issues have cropped with the voting machines.

If you haven't voted yet, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.