Beverly Election Praised; Turnout Tops 80 Percent

BEVERLY, MA – Up to nearly 88 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in some precincts in Beverly this election season despite the coronavirus health crisis.

Beverly City Clerk Lisa Kent reported that 87.73 percent of the 2,795 voters in precinct 4-2 cast a ballot as voter turnout was more than 80 percent citywide — with up to 85 percent expected when official results are certified — through a combination of mail-in ballots mailed and delivered via drop box, early voting and in-person voting.

Kent said more than 5,000 voters cast a ballot during the two weeks of early votes, while 15,652 residents requested early ballots.

"Everything went great (Tuesday), a few hiccups but all and all very smooth, which was awesome," Kent told Patch Wednesday night. "The voters of Beverly were great and all of our election workers and City Clerk's office were excellent. It was a long, busy day, but a good day.

"We will see what happens with the state to see if the mail in votes are staying. We have not heard anything yet."

Seven of the 12 Beverly precincts had turnout of 80 percent or more.

Only precinct 3-1 was under 70 percent at 69.1.

Kent said turnout was up from 76 percent in 2016.

"We just did write-ins and hand counts and we are probably looking at 85 percent or more once we close the election," Kent said. "We are still accepting overseas ballots by mail till the 13th and ones that were postmarked Nov. 3 until Friday. So we still have a bit of counting to do.

"For us, preparing for the election started months ago, and will end in a few weeks."

While there was concern throughout the spring and summer that conducting what was expected to be a highly contentious election during a pandemic would lead to trouble, there were few reported problems in Massachusetts on Tuesday.

This was the first year that no-excuse, mail-in voting was allowed in the state due to the coronavirus.

On Patch reader said voting in Ward 6 at Centerville School on Tuesday "was a breeze."

"It was so well-organized, sanitizers at the ready, and the experience quick and pleasant," she said. "I give them credit. I did, however, miss the traditional bake sale and small kids selling raffle tickets. Another loss due to COVID."

As much of the country fell asleep still awaiting results in major races — including president — residents here were only waiting on one big question that could change the way they vote in future elections.

Supporters of Question 2, a ranked-choice ballot initiative, conceded well after midnight, saying they came up short. The "No" side was up 55 percent to 45 percent with 81 percent of precincts reporting.

Outside Question 2, there wasn't much suspense despite unprecedented voter turnout in an election set against the backdrop of a pandemic.

The state was called for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden immediately after the polls closed. Biden was up nearly 1 million votes on President Trump with most precincts reporting. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey won his race soon after.

More Patch Beverly Election Coverage: Election 2020 Beverly Results: Biden Trounces Trump

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MA Election Results: Markey Pushes Progressive Agenda After Win

Election Results: Joe Biden, Ed Markey Roll In Massachusetts