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Massachusetts elections chief predicts 'reasonably good turnout' on Super Tuesday

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Massachusetts elections chief predicts 'reasonably good turnout' on Super Tuesday


The U.S. Supreme Court ruling that restored former President Donald Trump’s name to the Colorado ballot makes it “all the more important” for voters to express their opinions in presidential primaries, Massachusetts’ elections chief said.

Citing “significant” early voting numbers, Secretary William Galvin said his prognostication for “a reasonably good turnout” in the Massachusetts primaries could be “enhanced a little more” by the court’s ruling on Monday morning.

More than 50,000 Massachusetts residents have cast ballots in person, and more than 400,000 by mail in advance of Super Tuesday.

Galvin said he expected to see more than 600,000 Democratic primary ballots cast by the end of the day Tuesday, and said the GOP will “surely exceed 400,000 tomorrow.”

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“This morning’s decision makes it all the more important that those voters who have opinions on the presidency take the opportunity to express them, because clearly what the court said today was that they will not do anything to decide the outcome of the presidential election. They’ve left it up to the voters and ultimately to Congress on the issue of the enforcement of the 14th Amendment,” Galvin said.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Voters in many western Massachusetts communities have taken advantage of early voting options. According to figures released by Galvin’s office Monday morning, Belchertown had already seen 15.9% turnout, Hatfield 15.3% and Easthampton 14.4%.

In Amherst, that number was 13.8% , with the vast majority voting by mail.

“I think the trend has definitely changed from in-person to mail-in, there’s no doubt about it based on the numbers,” Town Clerk Susan Audette said. “The presidential election in the fall, in November, that may completely change what I just said. You just don’t know.”

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Audette said she doesn’t believe a rainy forecast for primary day will keep voters from showing up to the polls in person.

“If it’s important enough, they’ll come out,” she said. “At least it’s not snow or a blizzard. Rain’s nothing. We can handle that.”

Not all western Massachusetts communities have seen as significant of a turnout. Only 3.8% of registered voters in Springfield cast their ballots as of Monday, among the lowest percentages in the state. Holyoke was at 5.8%.

This report contains information from NEPM’s Adam Frenier.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts woman charged with DUI after Simsbury crash

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Massachusetts woman charged with DUI after Simsbury crash


SIMSBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A Massachusetts woman was arrested Wednesday and charged with DUI after a crash in Simsbury, according to police.

The crash happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Hartford Avenue and Elm Street. Police responded to reports that one of the operators of the vehicles was unconscious, later becoming conscious.

Upon arrival, police found that operator, who was identified as 39-year-old Allison Beu of Southwick, Massachusetts, outside of her vehicle and interacting with the other involved parties.

The two occupants in the other vehicle were not transported to the hospital.

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Beu was charged with DUI and failure to drive in proper lane.



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Massachusetts Governor Healey reacts to Brown University shooting

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Massachusetts Governor Healey reacts to Brown University shooting


BOSTON (WWLP) – Following the shooting at Brown University, claiming the lives of two students and injuring nine others, Governor Healey is joining calls for anyone with information to contact authorities.

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting, but they have released footage of a person of interest, calling on the public for help.

“At this time, we just have to encourage anyone in the public who may know something, see something, to immediately contact law enforcement,” said Healey.

Governor Healey says the Massachusetts State Police are in Rhode Island to assist with the investigation. The governor also spoke to mounting fear on college campuses, as the number of mass shootings in the United States exceeds the number of days so far in the year.

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“In speaking with many of them, I know that they are taking all measures to ensure the safety of students and faculty, and certainly as a state we will do everything that we can to support those efforts,” said Governor Healey.

Local to western Massachusetts, UMass Amherst told 22News about their campus safety plans, which include adding emergency preparedness to student orientation and hosting optional active threat training for students, staff, and faculty.

The FBI is offering an award of up to $50,000 leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone who thinks they may have information is encouraged to call the Providence Police.

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