Greater Fall River Elections 2024: Questions, Candidates and Info

The 2024 election season is almost over and voters across the South Coast are getting ready on Tuesday to elect the American president and making crucial decisions that can impact generations.

Not only will there be presidential and congressional races on the ballot, but local voters will be able to choose who they want to represent them on Beacon Hill and in county government.

They will also have direct authority over state law answer five referendum questions.

The polls are open on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Curious about what’s at stake? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is running for the US Senate?

Incumbent Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren faces a challenge of Republican lawyer John Deaton.

Warren, the state’s first female elected senator, is asking voters for a third six-year term, citing $20 billion in federal funds she has helped provide for state infrastructure projects and votes she has used to tackle inflation and price gouging and reduce the costs of medicines.

Deaton, a millionaire lawyer with a practice in Rhode Island, Marine Corps veteran and former judge advocate general, moved to Massachusetts this year when he ran for office. He said he would pledge not to support any national abortion ban, and said a cornerstone of his platform is creating financial literacy courses nationwide.

Who is a candidate for the House of Representatives?

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, who represents the 4th District, is unopposed.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, who represents the 9th District, faces Republican Dan Sullivan. Keating has been a representative since 2011, previously serving as a prosecutor in Norfolk County and serving in both houses of the state Legislature since 1977. He said his goals are to preserve the rights of all Americans and invest in infrastructure. Sullivan, a registered nurse, said he would focus on affordability in Massachusetts, immigrants and affordable housing.

Who wants to represent Greater Fall River at the state level?

Several people running for seats on Beacon Hill are unopposed, including state Sen. Michael Rodrigues and state Reps. Steven Howitt, Carole Fiola and Alan Silvia.

Democratic state Rep. Pat Haddad, who represents Bristol’s 5th District, is being challenged by Republican Justin Thurber. Haddad has been in power since 2001 and says she prioritizes education, clean energy and the elderly. Thurber, an Air Force veteran, said he would focus on immigrants, high taxes and business regulations.

Democratic state Rep. Paul Schmid, who represents Bristol’s 8th District, has decided not to run for office. Five candidates aim to succeed him: Democrat Stephen Ouellette, Republican Christopher Thrasher and independents Laura Hadley, Manuel Soares Jr. and Jesse St. Gelais.

What other races are contested in Greater Fall River?

Voters will also choose:

Governor’s Council: Joseph Ferreira (D), Krysten Condon (u)
County Commissioners: John Mitchell (D), Julie Katherine Ruggiero (D), Gregory C. DeMelo (u)

What referendum questions are on the state ballot?

Is there an early vote today?

No. Early voting ended on Friday. If you did not vote by mail or vote early, Tuesday is your last option.

Can I still return a ballot before Election Day?

Mail-in ballots must be received by the city or county elections office before Election Day. If you still have a mail-in ballot, it’s unlikely it will be processed and delivered by the Postal Service in time to be counted on Tuesday; hand it in at the election office.

If I vote in person on Tuesday, where can I vote?

Check your polling station on the website of the Minister of Foreign Affairs: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote