Younger Voters Fill Bubbles, Cast Ballots for First Time

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: IMG_1663.jpg — This Swampscott resident has a few more years until she can make her voice heard || Monica Sager

Of the many residents coming and going from Swampscott High School’s voting polls on Tuesday morning, some stopped by to cast their ballot before heading upstairs for a full day of classes.

Swampscott’s local elections are on Tuesday, April 28 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Swampscott High School. The town is electing a variety of positions, from the contested Select Board race to School Committee, Board of Health, town moderator and Town Meeting members.

For the first time voters, the voting area erupts in applause. Swampscott High School seniors Russell Bombardier and George Spellios, both 18 years old, were two students on Tuesday who filled out a ballot for the first time.

Spellios said that he encouraged some of his friends and classmates to cast their ballots and make their voices heard as well.

“It’s just important to get out and vote if you want to see change in your community,” said Spellios.

Spellios said it’s like dipping toes in the water. Bombardier echoed the importance of casting a ballot and said he wanted to see what taking part in an election is actually like.

Georgia Cilley, 23, filled out a ballot for the first time at the local level after attending college in California.

“I love the town of Swampscott and I want to be in a place that’s accommodating for everyone and a great place to live,” said Cilley.

Cilley’s mother works as a nurse in the school district, so she said she hears a lot about what happens in Swampscott.

“It’s important for me that children get the education they deserve, and everyone gets what they deserve,” Cilley said.

Younger voters getting registered and familiar with taking part in an election makes them more likely to vote in future elections, Town Clerk Katie Dupont said.

“It’s great (to see) first time voters,” said Dupont, who is responsible for managing the election process in town. “We want people involved early and we want people to know the process early.”

Dupont added it’s great that first time voters know what is going on around Swampscott and beyond.

“This year we have the state election,” said Dupont. “The earlier people get involved, we hope that people continue to vote in state elections along with the local elections.”