Vote Tuesday, March 6

Census, Redistricting Result in Changes; Voters Urged to Check Poll Locations

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford voters should double-check their poll locations before heading out to vote in the March 6 presidential primary (a.k.a. “Super Tuesday,” the day ten states hold presidential primaries and caucuses).

The Census and redistricting have led to some changes. Ward 4, Precinct 2 is now located at Fondacaro Center, Walkling Court, Auburn and North Streets. 6-2 voters will now report to the Brooks Elementary School, 388 High Street. 6-1 voters will now cast ballots at the West Medford Fire station on Harvard Street.

In addition, many residents are now in new precincts due to re-districting. City Clerk Ed Finn said postcards went out to voters who are in a new ward and precinct and whose poll locations have changed.

All of the changes statewide have been added to the state’s helpful voting website, http://www.wheredoivotema.com, which allows voters to plug in an address to see poll locations and candidate information. Voters can also contact the Registrar of Voters office at 781-393-2491.

Polls will be open from 7AM-8PM on Tuesday.

In Massachusetts, unlike many other states, independents (or voters not enrolled in a party) can participate in the primary election. Choosing a particular ballot no longer will automatically enroll a voter in that party.

Former MA governor Mitt Romney, running for the Republican presidential nomination for the second time, continues to lead his GOP opponents.

In the 2008 presidential primary, about half of Medford’s registered voters came out to the polls. Democratic Medford voters favored Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama by an almost 2-to-1 margin at the time while Republican voters favored Romney over John McCain.

In the 2008 presidential election, a record number of voters turned out in Medford- 78%- to participate. Medford voters overwhelmingly favored Obama over Republican presidential nominee McCain.