Annual election shows one contested race, unfilled seats

BELCHERTOWN – And just like that, spring has sprung and it’s time for the Annual Town Election.

The election will be on May 15 in the Belchertown High School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This year’s election has one contested race for two seats on the School Committee and several unfilled positions.

Lesa J. Lessard Pearson is running unopposed for the available seat on the Selectboard. This seat is currently held by Jim Barry, who is not seeking reelection.

Heidi Gutekenst, Matthew S. Jackson and Lamikco Magee are running for two available seats on the Belchertown School Committee. Gutekenst is an incumbent.

Kenneth E. Elstein and David N. Gottsegen are running for two available seats on the Board of Health.

The following positions are on the ballot, however, no one submitted nomination papers and so they are blank on the ballot: Planning Board (five year term), Town Moderator (three years term,) and Board of Assessors (three year term).

The last day to register to vote in the May 15 Annual Town Election and the May 8 Special/Annual Town Meeting is April 28. In-person early voting for the Town Election is on May 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and May 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, room 201.