Turnout was higher than expected in Tuesday’s primary elections, according to clerks in both Plympton and Halifax and unofficial election data.
By 9 a.m. turnout was high in Plympton, and town clerks in both Plympton and Halifax anticipated a busy day.
In Plympton total turnout was 24 percent, with 548 ballots cast, more than twice the ballots from the last primary. In Halifax there were 1,309 ballots cast, representing 23 percent turnout.
Many races were not contested in either primary, although a few were close.
The Republican race for Representative for the 12th Plymouth District, which includes Duxbury, Halifax, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth and Plympton, was too close to call until Tuesday night. It was the most watched contest locally. Late Tuesday night, Summer Schmaling, who won handily in Plympton and Halifax, conceded the nomination to Joseph Truschelli, who won overall, by just a few votes.
“I think it was a great race. I commend my opponent for getting into the race. It was an issues-driven campaign. I look forward to working with her [Schmaling], and hopefully this goes our way,” said Truschelli in comments to the Express Wednesday via cellphone. “It was a very tight race…there was good turnout,” he added.
Schmaling did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.
Truschelli will face Kathy LaNatra, a Kingston selectman and business-owner, in the General Election Nov. 6.
Geoff Diehl bested John Kingston and Beth Joyce Lindstrom for Senator. He will face Elizabeth Warren in the state-wide race for Senator in November.
For the race of Governor, Charlie Baker, the Republican incumbent, will face Democrat Jay Gonzales, who won against Bob Massie, in the General Election.
Karyn Polito, a Republican, will run against Quentin Palfrey, a Democrat, for Lieutenant Governor.
James McMahon, III, in a close race, bested Daniel Shores in the Republican primary for Attorney General. He will face Maura Healey, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary in the General Election.
Anthony Amore, who ran unopposed in his Republican primary, will now face incumbent William Galvin, who beat Josh Zakim in the Democratic primary, for Secretary of State.
The Treasurers’ primaries were both unopposed. Keiko Orrall will face Deborah Goldberg, the Democratic incumbent, in the General Election.
The Auditor’s race was also unopposed. Helen Brady will face the Democratic incumbent Suzanne Bump in the General Election.
Peter Tedeschi, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary will face Bill Keating, the Democratic incumbent.
Christopher Iannella, Jr. a Democrat who ran against Mark Rooney, will be Councilor, as he has no opponent.
Michael Brady, the incumbent Democrat for State Senator, will run against Republican Scott Hall in the General Election.
Timothy J. Cruz, the Republican incumbent for District Attorney will remain in that office as he has no opponent, as will Democrats Robert Creedon, Jr. as Clerk of Courts and John Buckley, Jr. as Register of Deeds.
There was one person who pulled the Libertarian ballot in Plympton, which only had one race.