***UPDATE at 8 p.m.: The polls have closed in Marblehead’s municipal election. The Town Clerk’s Office tells the Current that turnout has been “steady.” Stay with the Current for updates.
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Today is Election Day in Marblehead with several contested races and $14.35 million in debt exclusion overrides on the ballot. Early voting last week was brisk with more than 880 people voting in person at Abbot Hall, according to Town Clerk Robin Michaud.
The Current has you covered all Election Day, so stay us until the final vote counts are announced.
Also, check out the Current’s Candidates Guide for profiles, articles, letters to the editor and more.
Here’s the basic info you’ll need to make your vote.
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.
