South End voters trickled to the polls Tuesday morning, selecting a councilor to represent their district and inking the names of up to four at-large candidates.
With temperatures reaching the upper 60s and the sun shining strongly, polling places were largely empty after a brief early morning rush. A handful of supporters held signs outside the on Washington Street, one of the more active voting stations in district 2. Others waved to drivers from the corner of Warren Avenue and Dartmouth Street, outside the .
Among them was Jeremiah Sullivan, who wore a red jacket to match his Stephen Murphy sign. Sullivan used to be roomates with Murphy, and traveled from out of town to support him.
Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I've known Steve for almost 30 years," he said. "He's a great guy."
Nearby, a group of Linehan supporters included Tom Linehan, the councilor's brother. Despite campaigning for nearly three days, the group was upbeat and enjoying the weather.
Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We only [run on] sunny election days," joked Marty McDonough.
Bill Linehan is running for the District 2 seat against former BPS Principal Suzanne Lee, a newcomer who ran away with the most votes in .
Several voters exiting the polls on Tuesday said they supported Linehan because of his performance over the past two terms.
"I think he's done a very good job of representing the neighborhood," said one South End resident who asked that her name be withheld.
Jovita Fontanez also cast a vote for Linehan, and supported all four incumbents in the at-large race.
"I think they've gone a very good job, they work well together," she said. "We need elected officials who pay attention to new residents and people who have been in the city for a long time. There's lots of work to be done."
Another South End voter, who declined to give her name, said she cast a vote for Lee based on local issues.
"She did a very good job with her campaign and she seems like she would listen better with the whole Dunkin' Donuts thing," she said, referring to the proposed coffee shop development at 655 Tremont Street.
Over in district 7, turnout was low at Washington Manor. By noontime, only 86 voters had filled out ballots. A lone volunteer passing out flyers for incumbent Tito Jackson and several at-large candidates said many people didn't seem to be aware of the election.
"A lot of people don't know it's going on," she said.
Voting Guide
Polls will be open today from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. To find out where to vote based on your address, click here.
Residents in Districts 2 and 7 will be voting for a one district councilor and up to four at-large councilors. The candidates are as follows (click the link to view more information about each candidate):
District 2 City Council
The following election-related stories were published on South End Patch:
Linehan Campaign Flyer Included Incorrect Election Date
Council Candidates Discuss Schools, Gambling, Nonprofit Expansion and the BRA
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.