Sec. of State concerned about voter turnout ahead of special election

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – Due to the low number of absentee ballots requested to date, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin is concerned about voter turnout ahead of the special election in Massachusetts for the U.S. Senate seat once held by John Kerry.

The number of U.S. Senate absentee ballots requested to date is 49,748 compared with 63,610 absentee ballots requested one week prior to the U.S. Senate special election held in January of 2010.

"With many people focused on the Bruins playing in the Stanley Cup Final, the Bulger trial, and the end of the school year, the Special Election has a lot of competition for attention," Secretary Galvin said.

Galvin wants to remind voters planning to cast an absentee ballot in Tuesday's special election that the deadline to apply is June 24 at 12 p.m. Voters can apply in person at their local election office and cast their absentee ballot in one visit.

On Election Day, June 25, polls will open throughout the state from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Forms are also available at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. Anyone with questions is asked to contact the Elections Division at 1-800-462-VOTE. To verify your polling location, visit www.wheredoivotema.com.

Republican newcomer and former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez is taking on Democrat and long-time Rep. Ed Markey in the race for the U.S. Senate seat. The pair traded blows during their final debate Tuesday night.

Cox Media Group