City residents voted during the primary on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
State Reps Sally Kerans and Tom Walsh and state Sen. Joan Lovely ran for reelection unopposed in their primaries, as did U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.
In the Democratic primary for Southern Essex register of deeds, Eileen Duff received 3,028 votes in Peabody on route to her victory in the race. Her opponent, Joe Gentleman, received 1,345 votes in Peabody.
On the Republican ballot for Southern Essex register of deeds, Jonathan Edward Ring had no competition as he sought the nomination for register of deeds and will move on to the general election.
In the Democratic race for Essex County clerk of courts, Thomas H. Driscoll Jr. won reelection after facing competition from James FX Doherty. Driscoll received 3,346 votes in Peabody, while Doherty received 881 votes. No Republican candidate ran for clerk of courts in Essex County.
Peabody resident Joe Ellis, who turned out to vote, said it is important for everybody to vote.
“A lot of people don’t bother with the primaries or these small elections, and it’s just not fair to the people doing the hard work to try and get elected,” he said.
Claire Crosby, also of Peabody, said her parents showed her the importance of voting at a young age.
“It was very important for them to vote, and they just kind of instilled it into us,” she said.
Peabody resident Bob Caruso said voting is “the right thing to do.
“That’s basically what it comes down to,” Caruso said. “Every vote does count.”
He said he has voted in every election since he has been old enough to vote.
“I always tell people, ‘Get out there,’” Caruso said. “You can sway an election very easily, or you can get your candidate elected.”
Peabody resident Johnny Lander said voting is part of being an American citizen.
“It’s just better to vote and try to get your voice out there,” he said. “Every little bit helps.”
Voters will return to the polls later this year on Nov. 5 to vote in the general election.
Stuart Foster and Emma Fringuelli contributed to this report.
