Lynn City Clerk Mary Audley holds signs instructing voters of new voting locations in this week’s primary election. Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke.
By Bridget Turcotte
LYNN — Voters will cast ballots at two new locations for the first time on Thursday.
While residents may have been worried about who will fill the Essex County Sherriff’s seat or which Democrat will face State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) in the November election, City Clerk Mary Audley was determining where.
Ward 4 precincts 1 and 2 will vote at KIPP Academy at 90 High Rock St. Ward 4 precincts 3 and 4 will cast votes at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society.
The Ward 3 polling place is now at the Thurgood Marshall Middle School on Brookline Street, rather than Lynn English High School.
Audley, who also runs the Elections Department, said the change allows for more space for the 2,650 registered voters in Ward 4 precincts 1 and 2. More than 7,600 residents are registered to vote at Marshall.
“The people of Ward 3 have been waiting to go to the new Marshall,” she said. “English is in Ward 2 and voting was disruptive to students at English. Marshall has more parking and more space. The gym is further away from the rest of the school and it won’t disrupt the kids. That’s the case at KIPP, too.”
Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham said Lynn’s public schools will be open on Thursday.
“We are happy to act as a host during election days, but we ask that people be respectful of the education of our students,” she said. “If possible, voters should plan to avoid school opening and dismissal times. During those times sidewalks and streets will be crowded and parking may be difficult.”
Alternatively, students at KIPP will have the day off, said Jennifer Startek, director of school operations. Voters will access the school through the gym entrance, located on the left rear side of the building. Parking will be made available nearby.
Preparations for the election began months ago. Audley determined the best locations and made a recommendation to the city council, who approved the changes. Voting equipment was tested last week and prepared for delivery to each of the 28 polling places.
Letters were sent to the residents in all of Ward 3 and in Ward 4 precincts 1 and 2, reminding them of the changes. Still, large signs will be posted at Lynn English to alert voters that they are at the wrong place, she said.
Click here to find out where your polling location is
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
