Beyond the Presidency
Anger. Frustration. A sense of disconnectedness. These are the feelings many American Muslims have towards this year’s election. Many of us feel overlooked by major political parties and candidates, with pollsters noting the primary concern for our community is the genocide in Gaza and America’s involvement.
This guide isn’t about endorsing candidates. Instead, it focuses on what’s on the Massachusetts ballot beyond the presidential race. It tells us what our options are for the Massachusetts general election. It highlights that there are many offices for election, including state Senate and House races, and important ballot questions where we can vote “yes” or “no.” Every level of government plays an important role in the quality of life for Muslims and our neighbors across the nation, and here in the Commonwealth.
Voting is one of many forms of advocacy and avenues for change. As such, we urge the community to take this opportunity to stand up for justice at the polls this fall.
Benefits of Voting:
- By registering to vote, showing up at the polls, and voting and/or abstaining from votes/writing-in candidates, we are building Muslim political power in the US.
- This year, the collective Muslim vote and mobilization of the Muslim community sends a message to elected officials that if they do not support a ceasefire then they will lose the vote of not only Muslim voters but all voters who call for peace.
- We have an Islamic responsibility to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. As tax-payers and citizens, we are taking advantage of our right to vote standing up for our beliefs.
How to Vote
Step 1: Register to Vote (by October 26, 2024)
Step 2: Identify your electoral district(s) and current elected officials
Step 3: Educate yourself on the candidates with help from this guide
Step 4: Where to Vote: You have three options.
- Find your election day (Nov. 5) polling place, OR
- Find an early voting location (Octover 19-November 1), OR
- Request mail-in ballot (by October 29, 2024).
Step 5: Vote: In-person at a polling place OR Submit your mail-in ballot in a ballot drop box.*
*Note: Due to the surge in mail-in ballots and delays in the postal office, we highly recommend requesting your mail-in ballot and submitting it at least two weeks prior to the election date.
What to Bring to the Polls
You may need to show identification when you check-in at your polling place if you are a first-time voter in Massachusetts, you’re on the inactive voter list, or a few other reasons. Forms of identification include a driver’s license, a recent utility bill, or rent receipt.
Important Dates and Deadlines
General Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Voter Registration Deadline:
- Online: Saturday October 26, 2024
- Mail: Postmarked by Saturday, October 26, 2024
- In-person: October 24, 2024
Deadline to Request a Ballot by Mail: October 29, 2024
Early Voting Period: October 19 – November 1, 2024
- Early Voting Schedules for every city or town will be posted by October 11, 2024
Elected Officials and Responsibilities
President
- Implement laws created by Congress
- Appoint federal advisors to different agencies
- Act as the head representative of the nation to foreign leaders
Vice-President
- Top advisor to the President
- Can lead their own policy initiative
- Becomes President if the current president dies or the 25th amendment is invoked
U.S. Senator
- Create and pass legislation that will benefit citizens of their state and nation
U.S. Representative/Congressman/Congresswoman
- Create and pass legislation that will benefit citizens of their state and nation
Councillor (Governor’s Council)
- Records advice and gives consent on gubernatorial appointments, such as judges, members of the parole board, and justices of the peace
Governor (Gubernatorial)
- Signing bills into law
- Serves as commander-in-chief of the state’s National Guard
- Grants communications and pardons to prisoners
- Appointing people to various judicial and state offices, such as the Supreme Judicial Court
Lieutenant Governor
- Part of the Governor’s Council and President whenever the Governor is absent
- Becomes acting governor for the remainder of the 4-year term the governor was holding if the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office
Attorney General
- Chief Enforcement Officer and Lawyer for the Commonwealth
Secretary of State
- Principle public information official
- Oversees historical records and preservation, public records, and the registry of deeds
County Commissioner
- Set and implement the policy for the county (where applicable)
County Treasurer
- Responsible for maintaining county funds (where applicable)
State Treasurer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Responsible for maintaining state funds by investing and maintaining the State budget
Auditor
- Accounts for every dollar given to State government
State Senator
- Create and pass legislation that will benefit citizens of their district as well as the State
State Representative
- Create and pass legislation that will benefit citizens of their district as well as the State
District Attorney
- Top prosecuting attorney for crimes that happen within their county
- Investigates criminal cases independently and in coordination with local enforcement
- Determines whether to file criminal charges in court against alleged criminals
- Must act non-partisan and adhere to the highest law of ethics
Register of Probate
- Ensures the public is able to navigate the probate court system
Register of Deeds
- Responsible for real estate registration and land records
Clerk of Courts
- Manages the court’s single justice caseload
City Councilor
- Determines city government and administration policies, as well as adopting budgets and legislation
Sheriff
- Maintains law and order within their jurisdiction
School Board Member
- Sets the vision and goals for the school district and enforces policies to reach those goals
General Election 2024 Candidates
Note: Only contested races are listed. View full list here.
U.S. PRESIDENT
- AYYADURAI and ELLIS, Independent
- DE LA CRUZ and GARCIA, Socialism and Liberation
- HARRIS and WALZ, Democratic
- OLIVER and TER MAAT, Libertarian
- STEIN and CABALLERO-ROCA, Green-Rainbow Party
- TRUMP and VANCE, Republican
U.S. SENATOR
- Elizabeth Ann Warren, 24 Linnaean St., Cambridge, Democratic
- John Deaton, 8 Mohill Ave., Swansea, Republican
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE
First District
- Richard E. Neal, 36 Atwater Ter., Springfield
- Nadia Donya Milleron, 615 Boardman St., Sheffield, Independent/Unaffiliated
Second District
- James P. McGovern, 393 Burncoat St., Worcester, Democratic
- Cornelius Shea, 2 Woodside Dr., Shrewsbury, Independent
Eighth District
- Stephen F. Lynch, 55 G St., Boston, Democratic
- Robert G. Burke, 98 Taylor Ave., Dedham, Republican
Ninth District
- Bill Keating, 10 Briarwood Ln., Bourne, Democratic
- Dan Sullivan, 38 Cape Cod Ave., Plymouth, Republican
COUNCILLOR (GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL)
First District
- Joseph C. Ferreira, 258 Seaview Ave., Swansea, Democratic
- Krysten Condon, 1 Lincoln Hill Ter., Wareham, Independent
Second District
- Tamisha L. Civil, 803 Central St., Stoughton, Democratic
- Francis T. Crimmins, Jr., 271 Plain Dr., Stoughton, Republican
Fifth District
- Anne M. Manning-Martin, 37 Dexter St., Peabody, Republican
- Eunice Delice Zeigler, 25 North St., Methuen, Democratic
- Jody A. Elliott, 163 North St., Salem, Independent
Seventh District
- Paul M. DePalo, 7 Underwood St., Worcester, Democratic
- Andrew J. Couture, 64 Farmer Ave., Fitchburg, Republican
STATE SENATOR
Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin & Hampshire District
- Paul W. Mark, 126 Mallard Dr., Becket, Democratic
- David Rosa, 323 Lincoln Ave., Dighton, Republican
Bristol & Norfolk District
- Paul R. Feeney, 182 North St., Foxborough, Democratic
- Laura L. Saylor, 149 Oakland St., Mansfield, Workers Party
Third Bristol & Plymouth District
- Kelly A. Dooner, 311 Scadding St., Taunton, Republican
- Joseph Richard Pacheco, 693 Hill St., Raynham, Democratic
- James B. DuPont, 118 Elm St. East, Raynham, Unenrolled
Cape & Islands District
- Julian Andre Cyr, 398 Commercial St., Provincetown, Democratic
- Christopher Robert Lauzon, 443 Flint St., Barnstable, Republican
- Joe Van Nes, 63 Pond View Farm Rd., West Tisbury, Unenrolled
Second Essex District
- Joan B. Lovely, 14 Story St., Salem, Democratic
- Damian Mitchell Anketell, 4 Oran Cir., Peabody, Republican
First Middlesex District
- Edward J. Kennedy, Jr., 312 Clark Rd., Lowell, Democratic
- Karla J. Miller, 46 Carly Way, Lowell, Republican
Norfolk, Worcester & Middlesex District
- Rebecca L. Rausch, 433 Central Ave., Needham, Democratic
- Dashe M. Videira, 35 Marvin Ave., Franklin, Republican
Plymouth & Barnstable District
- Dylan Fernandes, 11 George St., Falmouth, Democratic
- Mathew J. Muratore, 15 Gabriel Ln., Plymouth, Republican
Third Suffolk District
- Lydia Marie Edwards, 186 London St., Boston, Democratic
- Jeanna Marie A. Tamas, 56 Waldemar Ave., Winthrop, Republican
Worcester & Hampden District
- Ryan C. Fattman, 56 Waters Rd., Sutton, Republican
- Anthony JM Allard, 109 East Hill Rd., Monson, Democratic
Worcester & Hampshire District
- Peter J. Durant, 109 Charlton Rd., Spencer, Republican
- Sheila H. Dibb, 209 Pommogussett Rd., Rutland, Democratic
Worcester & Middlesex District
- John J. Cronin, 13 Providence St., Fitchburg, Democratic
- Nicholas A. Pirro, III, 12 Robbs Ter., Lunenburg, Republican
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
First Barnstable District
- Christopher Richard Flanagan, 8 Winstons Path, Dennis, Democratic
- Gerald Joseph O’Connell, 24 Jeannes Path, Yarmouth, Republican
Second Barnstable District
- Kip A. Diggs, 46 Penelope Ln., Barnstable, Democratic
- Susanne H. Conley, 32 Acorn Dr., Barnstable, Republican
Third Barnstable District
- David T. Vieira, 44 North Ockway Rd., Falmouth, Republican
- Kathleen Fox Alfano, 160 Jefferson Rd., Bourne, Democratic
Fifth Barnstable District
- Steven G. Xiarhos, 67 Saddler Ln., Barnstable, Republican
- Owen G. Fletcher, 66 Captain Aldens Ln., Barnstable, Democratic
Third Berkshire District
- Leigh Susan Davis, 9 Sumner St., Great Barrington, Democratic
- Marybeth F. Mitts, 20 Dunmore Ct., Lenox, Independent
First Bristol District
- Michael Chaisson, 20 A Pleasant St., Foxborough, Republican
- Kostas Loukos, 15 Coral St., Mansfield, Democratic
Second Bristol District
- James K. Hawkins, 485 Locust St., Attleboro, Democratic
- Patricia Bellfield, 108 Newport Ave., Attleboro, Unenrolled
- Andrew Nelson, 890 West St., Attleboro, Workers Party
Fifth Bristol District
- Patricia A. Haddad, 250 Marble St., Somerset, Democratic
- Justin Thurber, 147 Manchester Ave., Somerset, Republican
Eighth Bristol District
- Steven J. Ouellette, 25 Maple St., Westport, Democratic
- Christopher Thrasher, 1296 Drift Rd., Westport, Republican
- Laura A. Hadley, 1 Narrow Ave., Westport, Independent
- Manuel Soares, Jr., 316 Gifford Rd., Westport, Independent
- Jesse W. St. Gelais, 32 Gammons Rd., Acushnet, Independent
Ninth Bristol District
- Christopher Markey, 48 William St., Dartmouth, Democratic
- Joseph M. Pires, 8 Wamsutta Ln., Rochester, Republican
Fourteenth Bristol District
- Adam J. Scanlon, 244 Park St., North Attleborough, Democratic
- David Cannata, Jr., 11 Stagecoach Rd., North Attleborough, Republican
Second Essex District
- Kristin E. Kassner, 27 Union St., Hamilton, Democratic
- Mark T. Tashjian, 13 Central St., Georgetown, Republican
Fifth Essex District
- Ann-Margaret Ferrante, 11 1/2 Proctor St., Gloucester, Democratic
- Steven G. Leblanc, Jr., 9 Carlisle St., Gloucester, Independent
Sixth Essex District
- Jerald A. Parisella, 14 Red Rock Ln., Beverly, Democratic
- Ty Vitale, 8 Appleton Ave., Beverly, Republican
- Euplio R. Marciano, 141 McKay St., Beverly, All American
Second Franklin District
- Susannah M. Whipps, 130 Batchelder Rd., Athol, Independent
- Jeffrey L. Raymond, 586 Riceville Rd., Athol, Republican
Fourth Hampden District
- Kelly W. Pease, 382 Montgomery Rd., Westfield, Republican
- Bridget Matthews-Kane, 81 Court St., Westfield, Democratic
First Middlesex District
- Margaret R. Scarsdale, 90 Nashua Rd., Pepperell, Democratic
- Lynne E. Archambault, 35 Mt. Lebanon St., Pepperell, Republican
Ninth Middlesex District
- Thomas M. Stanley, 501 Lexington St., Waltham, Democratic
- Carly Marie Downs, 51 Pond St., Waltham, Republican
- Sean Diamond, 3 Marlton Rd., Waltham, Forward
Eleventh Middlesex District
- Amy Mah Sangiolo, 389 Central St., Newton, Democratic
- Vladislav S. Yanovsky, 904 Centre St., Newton, Republican
Thirteenth Middlesex District
- Carmine Lawrence Gentile, 33 Surrey Ln., Sudbury, Democratic
- Virginia A. Gardner, 138 Pelham Island Rd., Wayland, Republican
Seventeenth Middlesex District
- Vanna Howard, 200 Market St., Lowell, Democratic
- Joseph Paul Onoroski, 18 Curtis Dr., Lowell, Pirate
Eighteenth Middlesex District
- Tara Hong, 22 Canton St., Lowell, Democratic
- David Michael Ouellette, 113 Cabot St., Lowell, Unenrolled
Nineteenth Middlesex District
- David Allen Robertson, 7 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, Democratic
- Paul Sarnowski, 2 Judith Rd., Wilmington, Republican
- George Hugh Ferdinand, 56 Pratt St., Tewksbury, Independent
Twenty-Second Middlesex District
- Marc T. Lombardo, 9 Eubar Cir., Billerica, Republican
- George John Simolaris, Jr., 38 Andover Rd., Billerica, Independent
Second Norfolk District
- Tackey Chan, 66 Meadowbrook Rd., Quincy, Democratic
- Sharon Marie Cintolo, 128 Willard St., Quincy, Republican
Seventh Norfolk District
- Richard Gerard Wells, Jr., 31 Granite Pl., Milton, Democratic
- Clinton Graham, 9 Hollis St., Milton, Independent
Ninth Norfolk District
- Marcus S. Vaughn, 35 Rochambeau Ave., Wrentham, Republican
- Kevin C. Kalkut, 25 Canterberry Ln., Norfolk, Democratic
Tenth Norfolk District
- Jeffrey N. Roy, 15 Summer St., Franklin, Democratic
- Charles F. Bailey, III, 715 Summer St., Franklin, Republican
Eleventh Norfolk District
- Paul McMurtry, 7 South Stone Mill Dr., Dedham, Democratic
- Andrew M. Pepoli, 56 Greenlodge St., Dedham, Independent
Thirteenth Norfolk District
- Joshua Tarsky, 1065 South St., Needham, Democratic
- William R. Dermody, 12 Concord St., Needham, Unenrolled
First Plymouth District
- Michelle L. Badger, 35 Dorothy Dr., Plymouth, Democratic
- Jesse G. Brown, 61 John Alden Rd., Plymouth, Republican
Sixth Plymouth District
- Rebecca W. Coletta, 23 Verna Hall Dr., Pembroke, Democratic
- Kenneth Peter Sweezey, 180 Schoosett St., Pembroke, Republican
Eighth Plymouth District
- Dennis C. Gallagher, 160 South Dr., Bridgewater, Democratic
- Sandra M. Wright, 150 East St., Bridgewater, Republican
Ninth Plymouth District
- Lawrence Peter Novak, 235 Candy Ln., Brockton, Republican
- Bridget M. Plouffe, 40 West Ave., Brockton, Democratic
- Jonathan Wilshire Gill, 24 Main St., Easton, Independent, Unenrolled
Twelfth Plymouth District
- Kathleen R. LaNatra, 48 Forest St., Kingston, Democratic
- Eric J. Meschino, 76 Spooner St., Plymouth, Republican
Ninth Suffolk District
- John Francis Moran, 18 Concord Sq, Boston, Democratic
- Roy A. Owens, Sr., 6 Woodville St., Boston, Republican
First Worcester District
- Kimberly N. Ferguson, 902 Oakwood St., Holden, Republican
- Anthony L. Ferrante, 406 Sterling Rd., Holden, Combat Veteran
Second Worcester District
- Jonathan D. Zlotnik, 164 Sherman St., Gardner, Democratic
- Bruce K. Chester, 30 Pine St., Gardner, Republican
Fourth Worcester District
- Natalie Higgins, 333 Elm St., Leominster, Democratic
- Salvatore Perla, 294 Main St., Leominster, Republican
Sixth Worcester District
- John J. Marsi, Jr., 3 Fairview Ave., Dudley, Republican
- Jeanne Renaud Costello, 34 Main St., Charlton, Democratic
Seventh Worcester District
- Paul K. Frost, 308 Rochdale St., Auburn, Republican
- Terry Burke Dotson, 20 Salo Ter., Millbury, Independent
Nineteenth Worcester District
- Kate Donaghue, 17 Gary Cir., Westborough, Democratic
- Boyd Stewart Conklin, 8 Water St., Westborough, Massachusetts Great Again
CLERK OF COURTS
Essex County
- Thomas H. Driscoll, Jr., 28 Crosman Ave., Swampscott, Democratic
- Todd R. Angilly, 32 Alexandra Rd., Lynnfield, Unenrolled
- Doris V. Rodriguez, 121 Stearns Ave., Lawrence, Independent
Nantucket County
- Colleen Susan Whelden, 14 Baltimore St., Nantucket, Democratic
- Charles B. Gibson, 9 High Brush Path, Nantucket, Independent
REGISTER OF DEEDS
Essex Southern District
- Eileen R. Duff, 8 Barberry Heights Rd., Gloucester, Democratic
- Jonathan Edward Ring, 9 Pooles Ln., Rockport, Republican
Hampden District
- Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, 67 Rowland St., Springfield, Democratic
- Bob Collamore, 20 Weymouth St., Springfield, Independent
Middlesex Southern District
- Maria C. Curtatone, 37 Munroe St., Somerville, Democratic
- William “Billy” Tauro, 333 Great River Rd., Somerville, Independent
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Barnstable County
- Mark R. Forest, Democratic
- Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic
- Ronald R. Beaty, Jr., Republican
- Cynthia E. Stead, Republican
Bristol County
- John R. Mitchell, Democratic
- Julie Katherine Ruggiero, Democratic
- Gregory C. Demelo, Unenrolled
Dukes County
- Tristan R. Israel, Democratic
- Donald R. Leopold, Democratic
- Douglas Ruskin, Unenrolled
- Christine Catherine Todd, Democratic
- Richard G. Wharton, Democratic
- Randal Scot Milch, Democratic
Norfolk County
- Joseph P. Shea, Democratic
- Richard R. Staiti, Democratic
Plymouth County
- Gregory M. Hanley, Democratic
- Jared Louis Valanzola, Republican
- Rhonda L. Nyman, Democratic
- Anthony Thomas O’Brien, Sr., Republican
REGISTER OF PROBATE
Suffolk County
- Stephanie L. Everett, 197 Manchester St., Boston, Democratic
- Mohamed Bah, 22 Saint Marks Rd., Boston, Independent
Martha’s Vineyard Commission
- Jeffrey Agnoli, 56 Martha’s Rd., Edgartown
- Jay M. Grossman, 36 Hammett Ln., Chilmark
- Benjamin F. Robinson, 172 Main St., Tisbury
- Ernest Douglas Sederholm, 29 Willow Tree Hollow, West Tisbury
- Linda Bauer Sibley, 31 Shadbush Ln., West Tisbury
- Brian Conway Smith, 115 California Ave., Oak Bluffs
- Michael Carson Mackenty, 20 Old Farms Trail, Edgartown
- William Henry O’Brien, 16 Morse Ln., Tisbury
- Mary Bernadette Budinger-Cormie, 93 Spring St., Tisbury
- Amy M. Upton, 511 Old County Rd., West Tisbury
There are five measures on the state ballot:
Look Up Your Sample Ballot
Ballotpedia has a useful tool to preview your ballot before you go to the voter booth. It also has information on candidates so you can learn more about them. Check out your ballot using the button below.
Research Your Candidates
Vote411 is another useful tool that provides information on most of the candidates on your ballot and helps you plan your vote. Click the button below to find out more about your candidates’ positions.