2025 local election day preview

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The final countdown to election day has begun, and we are gearing up for a full day of coverage Tuesday. Western Mass News has what you need to look forward to this local election day.

Talking with voters on the street Monday, we found that people felt stronger about voting in their local city or town elections over national elections. And we’ve got a lot of major races, especially with potential changes in mayoral leadership in four cities.

A big race in Easthampton, the candidates will be voted for through a newer system called ranked choice voting meaning the winner won’t necessarily need over 50% of the votes. The interim mayor, Salem Derby, is taking on Lindsi Sekula and Jason “JT” Tirrel. In Easthampton, there are also contested races for city council in precincts four and five, plus and eight-way race for only five seats on the Easthampton school committee.

In Northampton, the mayor of four years, Gina-Louise Sciarra, is being challenged by newcomer Jillian Duclos. The city is also seeing contested races for their city council, with a four-way race for two at large seats, plus races in six different wards. Additionally, there is a three-way race for the school committee at-large.

And as for West Springfield, incumbent mayor Will Reichelt is facing against the district four town councilor, Daniel O’Brien. West Springfield residents will be voting for that, contested town council races, and 16 different ballot questions.

In Westfield, another contested mayoral race. Incumbent mayor Michael McCabe running against Andrew Mullen. Also unique in Westfield is the fact that all seven city councilors are running to be re-elected, with additional candidates on the ballot as well.

Voters we spoke with on and off camera had one main message to their neighbors: “It’s super important because that’s who’s going to shape the policies for your local community. Stuff like streets, roads, stuff like that. Business decisions, local businesses. It’s very important.” Said one voter. “Go vote. It’s a very important election. That’s what you need to do.” Added another.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, and you can tune in to Western Mass News all day for the latest coverage.