Surprise! Primary Election Day Is Thursday

There is a primary election across the state on Thursday, but here on the Southcoast, very few people are talking about it.  

One reason for the low level of interest is the lack of contested races on the ballot.  New Bedford Election Commission Chair Maria Tomasia tells WBSM News, State and County offices are all on the ballot, but none of the current office-holders have an opponent.  

There is one contested race on the Republican ballot in the 9th Congressional District, where two GOP candidates, Mark Allegro and Tom O'Malley, are vying for the chance to challenge Democratic Rep. William Keating in November.  

Tomasia says polls across the region will open at 7am and close at 8pm.  She's predicting a turnout of between 10 and 13%.  

And there is one voting change in New Bedford:  Voters at the Hayden-McFadden School will no longer enter the school on the Cedar Grove St. side.  Voters will now enter the school through a doorway on the County Street side.