There are 11 contested races and three ballot questions on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Early voting begins all across the Island Monday, and absentee ballots are already available in town clerks’ offices.
While there are big-ticket elections for statewide offices, there are several races with more local impact. U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, D-Bourne, faces a challenge from Republican Peter Tedeschi of Marshfield.
John Flores, a Republican from Barnstable, is trying to unseat state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro. State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, a Falmouth Democrat who represents the Island in the House, is unopposed.
George Davis, a Democrat from Oak Bluffs, is squaring off against unenrolled candidate Anthony Piland Sr. of Tisbury to take over for Joseph Sollitto Jr., who is retiring as clerk of courts after 42 years in that job at Dukes County courthouse.
Eight people are running for seven seats on the Dukes County Commission. Incumbents John Allen, Leon Brathwaite II, Tristan Israel, Christine Todd, Gretchen Underwood, and Robert Zeltzer face challenges from John Cahill of Tisbury and Keith Chatinover of Edgartown.
Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe is unopposed in his re-election bid. Daphne Devries of Edgartown is unopposed for register of probate, and Paulo DeOliveira is not facing any challenge for register of deeds.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Cambridge, faces challenges from Whitman Republican Geoff Diehl and Belmont Independent Shiva Ayyadurai.
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito are seeking re-election against Jay Gonzalez and Quentin Palfrey. Attorney General Maura Healey, the incumbent Democrat, is facing a challenge from James McMahon III. For Secretary of State, there are three candidates — Democratic incumbent William Galvin, Republican Anthony Amore, and Green Rainbow Juan Sanchez Jr.
State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg faces off against Republican Keiko Orrall and Green Rainbow Jamie Guerin.
There are three people running against auditor Suzanne Bump, a Democrat. They are: Republican Helen Brady, Libertarian Daniel Fishman, and Green Rainbow Edward Stamas.
Governor’s Council candidates are Democrat Joseph Ferreira, the incumbent, who is facing a challenge from Thomas Keyes, a Republican.
There are three questions on the ballot, and there are detailed summaries in a pamphlet put out by the Secretary of State’s office, which are available at town clerks’ offices.
Question 1 is called the Patient-to-Nurse limits. A yes vote would limit the number of patients assigned to a single registered nurse in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A no vote would leave the current laws unchanged.
A yes vote on Question 2 would create a citizens’ commission to seek an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to limit the influence of money. It would establish that corporations do not have the same rights as individuals to donate to campaigns. A no vote would keep the status quo.
Question 3 is the transgender antidiscrimination law. A yes vote would keep in place current law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in places of public accommodation. A no vote would repeal the provision.
Opportunity Knocks – Elect Keith Chatinover
Ten years ago those who voted on the ballot question requiring all seven Dukes County Commissioners to be concurrently elected to two year terms passed the measure by more than 70%. It was presented by the Charter Study Commission to increase candidacy numbers and enhance the ability of voters to influence county government.
Typically few citizens have been willing to serve on the Dukes County Commission. Now we have a young and promising newcomer, Keith Chatinover. It is remarkably refreshing to see this young man step up. Conversely, most of the current incumbent candidates are in their 70s.
Insanity has been described as doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results.
Surely valuable wisdom gained from experience comes with age, however enthusiasm, energy, intelligent questioning, curiosity, drive, and optimism accompanies youth. It’s time we take this opportunity to add these essential elements to the Dukes County Commission and elect Keith Chatinover. The downside risk is all but absent. The upside potential is significant.
Keith may begin a promising and overdue trend. Who wouldn’t be encouraged to see younger candidates offering to serve this island community ? The future belongs to the young, not the old. It’s time. Let’s do it.
Ted Stanley
West Tisbury
former Dukes County Charter Study Commission member (both of them)