Updated at 9:50 a.m. on Nov. 2
In addition to the presidential race, voters across western Massachusetts are weighing in on congressional contests, state legislative showdowns and a pair of ballot questions backed by many millions of dollars in out-of-state contributions.
Vote-by-mail is available for all registered voters, but those who do go to polling places will find a mask-filled, socially distant setup with plenty of hand sanitizer and more than a few disinfecting wipes.
Here are the contests we're watching:
Ballot Question 1: Right-to-Repair (Telematics)
Eight years after Massachusetts voters ordered automakers to make repair and diagnostic information available to vehicle owners and independent repair shops, the issue is back on the ballot. The new ballot question would expand the law to include some elements of "telematics" — wireless information sent between the car and manufacturers, starting with model year 2022.
Question 1 debates:
"Right-To-Repair Redux: A Short Debate On Massachusetts Ballot Question 1" (text, audio, video clip from NEPM)
"Fact-Checking Arguments Over Massachusetts Ballot Question 1" (text, audio from NEPM)
"The Debate Over Right To Repair In Massachusetts" (audio from WBUR)
News report: "Mass. has been pummeled by ads on Question 1. They veer into exaggeration and ‘fearmongering,’ experts say"
Ballot Question 2: Ranked-Choice Voting
Massachusetts could follow in the footsteps of Maine and overhaul its ballot. If this question passes, ranked-choice voting would be instituted for many elections with more than two candidates.
Under the system, voters would be asked to rank the candidates in order of preference. If no candidate gets 50% in the initial tally, the last-place candidate would be eliminated and those votes reassigned to voters' second picks. This would continue until a candidate gets above 50%. The process is also known as an "instant runoff."
Question 2 debates:
"Ranked-Choice Voting: A Short Debate On Massachusetts Ballot Question 2" (text, audio, video clip from NEPM)
"Fact-Checking Arguments Over Massachusetts Ballot Question 2" (text, audio from NEPM)
"Advocates On Both Sides Of Ballot Question 2 Square Off In Debate Over Ranked-Choice Voting" (audio from WBUR)
News report: "Ranked-choice voting would transform Massachusetts elections. But is it constitutional?"
Massachusetts U.S. Senate
This U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts was previously held by John Kerry before he became secretary of state in 2013. Then-Rep. Ed Markey won a special election in 2013, and a full six-year term in 2014.
Massachusetts U.S. Senate debate: WGBH (video)
News report: "Markey And O'Connor Spar In Senate Debate, Offering Two Distinct Political Visions"
Massachusetts U.S. House 2nd District
This congressional district, represented by Jim McGovern since 1997, includes Worcester, much of central Massachusetts, across to Greenfield and down to Northampton.
Massachusetts U.S. House 2nd District debate: Telegram & Gazette (video)
News report: "Stark Policy Differences And Sharp Attacks As McGovern And Lovvorn Square Off Again"
Mass. Senate Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden and Middlesex District
Between the city of Worcester and the Connecticut River Valley, you have this central Massachusetts Senate district, which has been represented by Sen. Anne Gobi since 2015.
News report: "State Sen. Anne Gobi faces rematch with Steven Hall in November"
Mass. Senate 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District
This seat, previously held by Mayor Don Humason of Westfield, was the subject of a special election in May, in which then-state Rep. John Velis defeated business owner John Cain. The district includes Holyoke, Westfield, Agawam, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Easthampton, Southampton and parts of Chicopee.
Mass. House 2nd Franklin District
This district, represented by Susannah Whipps since 2015, covers Erving, Gill, New Salem, Orange, Warwick, Wendell, Athol, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Templeton and part of Belchertown. Whipps is a former Republican who dropped her party label in 2017.
Mass. House 2nd Franklin District debate: AOTV (video)
Mass. House 3rd Hampden District
This district, represented by Nick Boldyga since 2011, consists of Agawam, Granville and Southwick.
News report: "State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga wins Republican primary in 3rd Hampden District; faces Democrat Kerri O’Connor in November"
Mass. House 4th Hampden District
This seat has been vacant since May, when then-Rep. John Velis won a special election for state Senate. The district includes the city of Westfield. City Councilor Dan Allie lost the Republican primary in September, so he's not on the ballot. But Allie has launched a write-in campaign.
Mass. House 4th Hampden District debates: WCTV #1 (video) and WCTV #2 (video)
News reports: "Contenders Seek Open 4th Hampden District Seat, Vacant Since Spring"
"Candidates for 4th Hampden District state representative debate"
Mass. House 7th Hampden District
This district, represented by retiring state Rep. Thomas Petrolati since 1987, includes Ludlow and portions of Belchertown, Chicopee and Springfield.
Mass. House 7th Hampden District debate: LCTV (video)
News report: "With Rare Open Seat, Harrington And Oliveira Compete In 7th Hampden Mass. House District"
Mass. House 9th Hampden District
This district, represented by outgoing Rep. Jose Tosado since 2013, includes portions of Springfield and one precinct in Chicopee.
Mass. House 11th Hampden District
This district's boundaries lie entirely within Springfield. The seat has been held by Rep. Bud Williams since 2017.
News report: "State Rep. Bud Williams, Prince Golphin vie for Massachusetts House seat in 11th Hampden District"
Hampden Register of Probate
The winner will lead the Hampden County office of the probate and family court — which, according to the state, "handles matters involving families and children, like divorce, child support, and wills." The incumbent, Suzanne Seguin, is not seeking another term.
News report: "Probate race features experienced choices"
Around New England
The region this November is host to two governors' races, four for U.S. Senate and 21 for the House. Check out the latest from our public radio partners:
Connecticut Public | WSHU | The Public's Radio (R.I.) | WBUR | GBH | CAI | Vermont Public Radio | New Hampshire Public Radio | Maine Public
