Marblehead voters are deciding contested races for School Committee, Select Board, town clerk and several key boards and commissions. Also on the ballot are two debt exclusion overrides totaling $14.35 million. Early voting at Abbot Hall started June 2 and Election Day is Tuesday, June 10, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Due to an ongoing Americans with Disabilities Act compliance review, the town has reassigned polling locations. Voters in precincts 1 and 2 will cast ballots at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., while voters in precincts 3 through 6 will vote at the Marblehead High School Field House, 2 Humphrey St. These locations will be evaluated for permanent use following the 2025 election.
Contested races
Select Board (one seat, three-year term)
— Yael Magen
— Jim Zisson
School Committee (two seats, three-year terms)
— Emily Dunham DeJoy
— Sarah Fox (incumbent)
— Henry Gwazda
— Katherine Schmeckpeper
— Alison Taylor (incumbent)
Town clerk (one seat, three-year term)
— Melissa Flanagan
— Robin Michaud (incumbent)
— Terri Tauro
Board of Health (one seat, three-year term)
— Kim Crowley
— Dr. Amanda Ritvo
Planning Board (one seat, five-year term)
— Edward Nilsson (incumbent)
— Timothy Swigor
Cemetery Commission (one seat, three-year term)
— Rose McCarthy
— Gerald Tucker Jr.
To read the Current’s Candidate’s Guide, visit: bit.ly/4klOgF4z.
Ballot questions
Voters will decide two debt exclusion overrides that together would increase tax bills over the next 20 years. The first year, the increase would be $117 for the median-priced home in Marblehead.
The first question asks voters to approve $8.6 million for a Marblehead High School roof project and HVAC system replacement. If approved, the project would begin in summer 2026 and add $68 a year for 20 years to the median homeowner’s tax bill. Town Meeting approved the override 804-282 on May 6.
The project expands on a $5.6 million roof repair approved by Town Meeting in 2022 but never started. The scope now includes HVAC units nearing the end of their useful life, according to project managers.
The second question seeks $5.75 million for Mary Alley building renovations, including roof replacement, ADA-compliant bathrooms, elevator, HVAC system and safety upgrades. This would add $49 a year for 20 years to the median homeowner’s tax bill. Town Meeting approved this override 671-103.
Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin told Town Meeting that despite the two new projects, overall tax bills for median-priced homes should drop $5 a year because debt from the MHS construction project 20 years ago is finally paid off.
Voting information
Early in-person voting will be available at the Town Clerk’s Office, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St.:
Monday, June 2 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4 – 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 5 -8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, June 6 -8:30 a.m.-noon
Absentee ballots are available to voters who will be absent from the community during polling hours, are physically unable to go to the polls or have religious beliefs that prevent them from voting in person. beliefs that prevent them from voting in person. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office or by contacting the office directly. For questions, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-631-0528.
