Register to Vote in September Primary

August 25 will be the last day for residents who have not registered to vote to complete their registration in time for the September primary. The Registrar of Voters will be holding a special voter registration session from 8:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, in the Town Clerks office for those residents who are not currently registered voters or for those voters wishing to change their political party.

This year's primary is especially relevant to Westwood as two residents are campaigning actively for contested races.

• Attorney Michael Walsh is hoping to win the Democratic primary for the opportunity to run in the general election for the open seat being vacated by State Senator Marian Walsh (no relation). He faces Mike Rush, a state rep from West Roxbury. The winner will face West Roxbury Republican Brad Williams.
• Independent Phil Dunkelbarger--although he does not have to run in the primary--will await the outcome of the contest between incumbent Congressman Steven Lynch and Milton challenger Mac D'Allessandro. Braintree resident Vernon Harrison will be up against Keith Lepore in the Republican primary.

Whatever your preference, make sure you are registered to vote and research these candidates. Despite one state rep's assertion yesterday that the primary "shouldn't be happening" (and they still wonder why Scott Brown won?) we have an opportunity in September to make a real difference in the choices we face in November and ultimately the direction of our commonwealth and country.