2025 election brings better-than-expected turnout

Photos by Micha Braaksma

Although the races on this year’s ballot weren’t highly contested, Waltham poll workers were happy with the amount of people that came out to vote. Many of those who came said they voted because they felt they had a civic duty to do so, and because they simply “always voted.” One person mentioned she felt especially obligated to come out this year, because of the “current political state in the country,” remarking that she “hates Trump.” 

Some of that stronger rhetoric has touched Republican residents like Ed, who, whilst having voted, felt politically frustrated. He said he feels he can’t openly express his political beliefs without being ostracized under the strong Democratic presence in Massachusetts as a whole. Because of that he feels he’s not being heard by state and local politicians. 

Generally though, Chris Loyd, ward for the polling station at the Malone Archive and Record Center, called it a “steady and routine election” and noted how all different generations and demographics came out to vote, including younger students from Brandeis and Bentley universities.  

Sara and her daughter and son were also present at the former Jonathan Bright School at the bake sale benefiting Waltham Dual Language School, which both of her children attend. She views the school as very successful and hopes it gets to grow further; an important priority for multiple councilor-at-large and School Committee candidates.

Groups of residents were outside the Malone Archive & Record Center with signs promoting their top choices for councilor-at-large and School Committee members. 

Poll workers, voters, and those promoting their favorite candidates overall emphasized how they were there to perform their civic duties, something deeply important for many Waltham residents even in these smaller elections.