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Michelle Wu was elected mayor of Boston. Here’s how the night unfolded

By Globe Staff, Sahar Fatima and Amanda Kaufman Globe Staff,Updated November 3, 2021, 12:04 a.m.
Following her victory in the Boston mayoral race, Michelle Wu spoke to supporters at her victory party on Tuesday night.Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Michelle Wu was elected the mayor of Boston Tuesday night, becoming the first woman and first Asian American to be elected to the office.

“From every corner of our city, Boston has spoken,” Wu said in a victory speech to her supporters. “We are ready to meet this moment. We are ready to be a Boston for everyone.”

Her opponent, Annissa Essaibi George, conceded the race.

Boston voters also cast their ballots for a number of city council seats and decided a trio of ballot questions about the city’s budget, schools, and energy plans.

Here’s a look at how the night unfolded.

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Maine voters reject transmission line that would bring clean energy to Mass. — 12:03 a.m.

By Sabrina Shankman, Globe Staff

In what appears to be a stunning setback to Massachusetts’ climate goals, Maine voters on Tuesday rejected a referendum on a transmission line that would bring hydroelectric energy from Canada to the Bay State.

As of just before midnight, with 421 of the state’s 571 precincts reporting, a “yes” vote to stop the $1 billion project that is already under construction had garnered 60 percent support, according to unofficial results.

Energy from the line is a key part of how Massachusetts plans to achieve its goal of halving emissions by the end of the decade. The Maine vote does not spell the immediate end of the project, as the line’s supporters are already saying they will contest the referendum in court, but even that will likely result in a set-back to the project’s planned timeline—and there is no time to waste.

Governor Charlie Baker, Senator Elizabeth Warren among Mass. officials congratulating Michelle Wu on historic win — 11:56 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

A stream of congratulatory messages for Boston’s Mayor-elect Michelle Wu poured in Tuesday night from a number of Massachusetts lawmakers.

Governor Charlie Baker issued a statement on Twitter, saying, “It was a historic election in Boston and our Administration looks forward to working with you and your team to address the most pressing issues facing the city and the Commonwealth.”

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Senator Elizabeth Warren, Wu’s former law school professor who endorsed her in the race, said Wu is “family” in a congratulatory Twitter message.

“From teaching her in law school, to working together on my first Senate run, to supporting her campaigns, I’ve seen her positive energy, her good heart, and her ability to make big change for Boston. She will be a terrific mayor,” the message read.

Former Boston mayor Martin J. Walsh, who is now the US labor secretary, congratulated Wu on “a great race and your historic win.”

“Soak it all in tonight - you’re the new Mayor of the best city in the world and I look forward to working with you,” the message continued.

GOP’s Youngkin builds lead against McAuliffe in Virginia governor race — 11:52 p.m.

By Bloomberg

Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin maintained a narrow lead over Democrat Terry McAuliffe in returns for Virginia’s gubernatorial election, according to the Associated Press.

With 93% of precincts reporting, Youngkin, a former co-chief executive officer of the Carlyle Group Inc., had 51.1% of the vote, compared to McAuliffe’s 48.2% with 3,104,466 ballots counted, a state record for a gubernatorial election. Polls closed at 7 p.m. Earlier returns showed a wider Youngkin margin.

The results will provide the most consequential assessment of President Joe Biden’s agenda to date and gauge Republican momentum heading into 2022 midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress.

Republicans were seeing heavy participation in their strongholds, though heavily Democratic areas in the Washington suburbs saw turnout around 96% of 2017 totals, Dave Wasserman of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report wrote in a tweet Tuesday, based on his analysis of voter turnout reports in late afternoon.

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Here’s what happened in mayoral races across Greater Boston — 11:46 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer lost her bid for a second term to challenger Charlie Sisitsky, while Somerville City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne was elected that city’s new mayor, as voters Tuesday decided mayoral races across Greater Boston.

In Lynn’s mayoral race, voters picked School Committee member Jared C. Nicholson to lead the city. Incumbent mayors Carlo DeMaria Jr. of Everett, Breanna Lungo-Koehn of Medford, Ruthanne Fuller of Newton, and Kim Driscoll of Salem won new terms in office.

In Lawrence, Brian DePeña defeated Acting Mayor Kendrys R. Vasquez, while Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken was defeated by challenger Gregory P. Verga.

Wu takes to Twitter to deliver a message to Boston — 11:41 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Mayor-elect Michelle Wu took to Twitter to deliver a message of gratitude in her first social media message as the city’s soon-to-be executive.

“Thank you, Boston,” Wu said in a tweet from her personal account late Thursday night, complete with a purple heart emoji.

Close races for governor unfolding in Virginia, New Jersey — 11:12 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Tight races for governor unfolded in Virginia and New Jersey late Tuesday with the Democratic candidates narrowly trailing their Republican rivals in states that President Joe Biden easily captured a year ago.

The elections were too early to call with vote counts still underway.

In Virginia, Democrat Terry McAuliffe addressed supporters in the Washington suburbs, vowing to “count all these votes.” Kristin Davison, an aide to Republican Glenn Youngkin, appeared onstage at a separate event and said his campaign would continue to track the incoming votes but was pleased with the way things appeared to be headed.

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Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy was trying to win reelection against Republican former State Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli in a race that was also too early to call. If successful, Murphy would be the first Democrat reelected as the state’s governor in 44 years.

In Michelle Wu’s win, Asian American political power — 11:07 p.m.

By Stephanie Ebbert and Elizabeth Koh, Globe Staff

Michelle Wu’s historic election as the next mayor of Boston not only writes a new chapter for the city’s history, but also turns a page for the country’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Though they represent the nation’s fastest-growing portion of the electorate, they remain significantly underrepresented in political office. Wu now enters a slim echelon of Asian-American politicians who have won executive political office amid scant representation at the highest levels of government.

“To have somebody who is the face of the city,” said Sam Hyun, chairperson of the Massachusetts Asian-American Committee, “it’s absolutely historic.”

Newton voters reelect Fuller to second mayoral term Tuesday — 11:04 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Newton’s voters made history Tuesday by reelecting Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, the first woman to serve as the city’s mayor, to a second four-year term as its chief executive.

Fuller fended off a challenge from former City Council colleague Amy Mah Sangiolo, who conceded the race Tuesday night.

The city clerk reported Fuller received 10,796 votes, versus 9,288 votes for Sangiolo.

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Essaibi George winds down campaign with thanks to family, friends — 10:57 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George ended her hard-fought campaign vowing to keep finding a way to support her city and keep “painting the city pink,’’ in a call to action to her supporters who saw her fall short to her council colleague Michelle Wu in the race to be mayor

Annissa Essaibi George gave her concession speech at her Election Night party. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Essaibi George, flanked by her husband Doug, their four children, her mother, sisters, and a host of supporters in pink, came to the stage at Fairmont Copley Plaza to country singer Kenny Chesney’s “Boston” playing on the loudspeakers. She thanked her numerous supporters and congratulated Wu.

“I know this is no small feat. I want her to show the city how mothers get things done,’’ Essaibi George said.

She urged her supporters to find ways to give back to their communities by volunteering, visiting small businesses, or supporting the elderly. “I am going to keep at it,’’ she said, citing her refrain of “painting the city pink.”

“We love you,’’ supporters said, as the Dorchester councilor, who had spent 36 straight hours on the campaign trail, beamed back.

On stage, she saved a tender moment for her mother and repeated a story about her late father from when she was a teenager and expressed a desire to one day run for mayor. He had said the city would not accept a the daughter of a Muslim for mayor.

“Together [we] demonstrated that that is not true,’’ she said.

Michelle Wu addresses her supporters in victory speech — 10:49 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Michelle Wu took the stage Tuesday night before her supporters as the mayor-elect of Boston, and the first woman and first Asian American to be elected to the office.

Michelle Wu addresses her supporters in victory speech
Michelle Wu took the stage Tuesday night before her supporters as the mayor-elect of Boston, and the first woman and first Asian American elected to the office. (Photo by Jim Davis/Globe Staff, NECN)

“From every corner of our city, Boston has spoken,” Wu said to her supporters gathered in the South End. “We are ready to meet this moment. We are ready to be a Boston for everyone.”

Following her victory in the Boston mayoral race, Michelle Wu took the stage at her victory party that was held at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts on Tremont Street. Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Wu thanked her supporters, her family, and a number of Massachusetts political figures who lended their support to her campaign: Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Ayanna Pressley, and Acting Mayor Kim Janey.

Wu also thanked her opponent Annissa Essaibi George, “who fought hard throughout this entire campaign,” for her service.

Who is Michelle Wu, the first Asian American and first woman to be elected mayor of Boston? — 10:43 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

With a commanding lead in the polls, Michelle Wu had seemed all but assured of victory in Boston’s mayoral election, and Tuesday’s results fulfilled that expectation. For those who didn’t follow the campaign closely, here are some important things to know about the newly elected mayor and the keys to her decisive win.

Michelle Wu to address supporters from South End watch party — 10:24 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Michelle Wu is set to address her supporters after her opponent Annissa Essaibi George conceded in the race for mayor.

Watch live here.

Annissa Essaibi George concedes to Michelle Wu — 10:24 p.m.

By Martin Finucane, Tiana Woodard, Tonya Alanez, Julia Carlin, and Elizabeth Koh, Globe Staff and Globe Correspondent

City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George conceded to fellow City Councilor and opponent Michelle Wu on Tuesday night, congratulating Wu on her victory in the historic Boston mayor’s race.

The concession paves the way for Wu, 36, to become the first woman and the first Asian American to take over at City Hall.

Annissa Essaibi George concedes to Michelle Wu
Annissa Essaibi George has conceded the race, paving the way for Michelle Wu to become the first Asian American and first woman elected mayor of Boston. (Photo by Barry Chin/Globe Staff, NECN)

“I want to offer a great big congratulations to Michelle Wu,” Essaibi George said at a speech during at her Election Night party, saying Wu was the first woman, the first person of color, and “as an Asian American the first elected to be mayor of Boston.”

Boston ballot questions on budget reform, elected school committee appear poised to pass — 10:18 p.m.

By Jeremy C. Fox, Globe Correspondent

Along with choosing a new mayor and city councilors, Boston voters on Tuesday appeared poised to approve ballot questions to change the city’s budget process and to restore an elected school committee.

They also appeared likely to reject the construction of an electrical facility in East Boston, according to early voting returns.

Nearly two out of three voters supported Question 1, a binding referendum asking whether the city should overhaul its budget process, giving city councilors more sway over the city’s purse strings. With 21.96 percent of precincts reporting just before 10 p.m., 14,966 voters said yes to the changes and 8,018 said no.

In other early returns, residents overwhelmingly rejected Question 2, a nonbinding measure that asked voters if they support a controversial electrical substation planned for East Boston. With 21.96 percent of precincts reporting, there were 19,357 votes against the substation and 3,686 votes in its support.

Nearly four out of five voters in early returns said yes to Question 3, a nonbinding referendum that asked if the existing appointed School Committee structure should be changed to a School Committee elected by city residents. With 21.96 percent of precincts reporting, 77.86 percent of voters said yes to electing committee members and 22.14 percent opposed it.

City workers, volunteers get to work counting and processing ballots at City Hall — 10:07 p.m.

By Nick Stoico, Globe Correspondent

The ballot counting process was in full swing at City Hall after polls closed Tuesday night in Boston’s historic mayoral race.

City workers and volunteers pushed large carts filled with precinct tabulators from various polling locations into the Election Department at City Hall, where the data was then scanned and imported into the city’s computer system and uploaded to its website, where the unofficial results are being posted.

Meanwhile, several Boston police officers brought in ballot boxes from various precincts filled with ballots that had already been counted by the tabulators. Those ballots were placed in a vault — the eventual destination for every ballot cast in the election — that is secured with three keys: one for the Elections Department supervisor, one for a Democratic election commissioner and one for a Republican commissioner, officials said.

Essaibi George expected to address supporters shortly after 10 p.m. — 9:58 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George is expected to address supporters at her Election Night watch party shortly after 10 p.m., according to Globe reporter Meghan Irons.

Essaibi George’s supporters are gathered at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Back Bay.

Watch a live feed here.

GOP’s Youngkin has early lead in Virginia governor race — 9:34 p.m.

By Bloomberg

Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin strengthened his lead over Democrat Terry McAuliffe in returns for Virginia’s gubernatorial election, according to the Associated Press.

With 80% of precincts reporting as of 9:21 p.m. Tuesday, Youngkin, a former co-chief executive officer of Carlyle Group Inc., had 54.5% of the vote, compared to McAuliffe’s 45% with 2,293,985 ballots counted. Polls closed at 7 p.m.

The results will provide the most consequential assessment of President Joe Biden’s agenda to date and gauge Republican momentum heading into 2022 midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress.

The state is on track to break 3 million votes, exceeding the 2017 record, Dave Wasserman of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report wrote in a tweet Tuesday.

Jared C. Nicholson elected Lynn mayor; incumbent mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. wins new term in Everett — 9:29 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

In Lynn’s mayoral race, voters picked School Committee member Jared C. Nicholson to lead the city. And in Everett, incumbent Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. won a new term in office.

In Lynn, Nicholson defeated City Council President Darren P. Cyr in that city’s mayoral race Tuesday. Nicholson received 7,962 votes over his competitor, Cyr, who received 4,532 votes. Nicholson succeeds Lynn Mayor Thomas McGee, who did not seek re-election.

The city clerk’s office reported 12,784 voters, or about 23 percent of Lynn’s 55,929 registered voters, turned out for the election. In September, Nicholson also placed first in Lynn’s preliminary election.

In Everett, DeMaria, who was first elected in 2007, defeated City Councilor Fred Capone in the incumbent’s bid for a new term. DeMaria had 3,735 votes, according to the city clerk’s office, while Capone won 3,525 votes.

DeMaria’s victory Tuesday comes amid an ongoing court fight between him and Everett’s city clerk, Sergio Cornelio, over allegations involving corruption, the Globe recently reported.

Democrat Eric Adams elected NYC mayor — 9:21 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Democrat Eric Adams has been elected New York City mayor after handily defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Adams is the Brooklyn borough president and a former New York City police captain. He will become the city’s second Black mayor and must steer the damaged metropolis through its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Adams’ victory Tuesday seemed all but assured after he emerged as the winner from a crowded Democratic primary this summer in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 7 to 1.

Sliwa is the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol. He ran a campaign punctuated by stunts and his signature red beret.

‘I feel very confident,’ Essaibi George supporter says at Election Night party — 9:18 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

Paul Nutting, a former candidate for Suffolk County Register of Deeds, wore a pink shirt to match the pink masks the Essaibi George campaign had available for a diverse group of supporters and guests.

“I feel very confident’' about her victory, Nutting said. “I know Annissa, and I’m just excited for her victory party. Annissa and I have been my friend for over 20 years. She’s always treated me as family.”

A nervous energy started to take hold of some of Essaibi George supporters as the early numbers flashed across a big screen TV in a ballroom. Some of the supporters quietly pointed to strong showings in precincts in West Roxbury and Dorchester, but worried if the candidate will be able to carry other areas of the city. “

I’m very nervous, but I always do during all elections,’’ said one supporter who only wanted to be identified by his first name, Dan. “I feel a certain level of investment. I just want Annissa to win.”

Framingham’s voters decide against giving Mayor Yvonne Spicer a second term — 9:14 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Framingham’s voters decided against giving Mayor Yvonne Spicer a second term Tuesday.

Spicer, who is the first popularly elected Black woman to serve as a Massachusetts mayor, conceded the race to challenger Charlie Sisitsky, a former Framingham town selectman. Tallies were not immediately available from clerk’s office.

Spicer was elected Framingham’s first mayor in 2017, after voters decided to switch to a city form of government. In September, Spicer came in second place behind Sisitsky during a preliminary election.

Essaibi George supporters arrive at Back Bay Election Night party — 8:57 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

Shortly after polls closed, Annissa Essaibi George’s supporters began appearing at her election night party at Fairmont Copley Plaza, where pink, white, and silver balloons adorned the main lobby, and music thumped from a loudspeaker.

“Tonight’s going to be the night,’’ said Kyrone Beverly, a volunteer for the Essaibi George campaign as he sipped on a Sam Adams. He especially was drawn to the councilor’s experience as a teacher, saying she will help Boston’s school system. “At this point in time, she’s the right person to lead the city forward.”

Linda Champion, a 2018 candidate for Suffolk district attorney and an ardent Essaibi George supporter, came festooned in a pink Essaibi George hat, pink pom pom, and colorful matching jacket. She said she supported the candidate because when she ran for office, Essaibi George was the only female elected official who sat down with her and “had a conversation.”

“That’s what it takes to be mayor,’’ she said. “You’ve got to talk to people.”

About Essaibi George’s prospects, Champion said: “Like I tell my daughter, D equals diploma. I don’t need to win by a landslide. We just got to win by one vote. I think anything is possible, given the low turnout, given the fact that the Wu campaign continued to push that they had it in the bag. Never bet against an underdog.”

Katjana Ballantyne elected Somerville mayor — 8:54 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Somerville voters elected City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne to serve as the city’s next mayor, as more than a dozen cities in Greater Boston held mayoral elections Tuesday.

Ballantyne received 9,997 votes, according to unofficial results from the city clerk’s office, and overcame City Council colleague Wilfred N. Mbah, who got 6,726 votes Tuesday night. The clerk’s office reported 18,167 of Somerville’s 59,328 registered voters took part in the municipal election.

Ballantyne will succeed Mayor Joseph Curtatone, who began serving as Somerville’s leader in 2004 and did not seek re-election.

For some, a historic and monumental Boston election; for others, just another Tuesday in November — 8:49 p.m.

By Hanna Krueger, Globe Staff

When Armani White arrived at the polls in East Boston Tuesday morning, the sun had not yet peeked above the horizon. The 30-year-old excitedly cast his ballot for Michelle Wu, whose commitment to “bold and progressive policy” ultimately won him over in the historic mayoral election.

Across the city, Donna Price, a Mattapan hairstylist, was jubilant as she left a polling site at Morningstar Baptist Church, having cast her vote for Annissa Essaibi George, in part because of her stance “especially on the police.”

Their eagerness was shared by thousands of others across Boston who flocked to the polls on Tuesday to take part in what will be a historic chapter in city politics, as the first woman and first person of color is elected mayor.

A drum ensemble greets Wu supporters at her Election Night event — 8:30 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Supporters of Boston mayoral candidate Michelle Wu were greeted by a drum ensemble as they made their way into her Election Night party.

Video by Globe reporter Milton Valencia from the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End showed the band on stage performing as attendees began to arrive shortly after polls closed.

Results from Boston’s mayoral race are trickling in — 8:16 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Results from Boston’s mayoral election are starting to come in after thousands of voters cast their ballots for City Councilors Michelle Wu or Annissa Essaibi George.

Follow along with live results from the mayoral election here.

And follow live results from races across the city here.

City increases Election Day volunteers after long delay for results in September preliminary — 8:07 p.m.

By Nick Stoico, Globe Correspondent

After voters had to wait through a 14-hour delay for results in September’s preliminary mayoral election, city and state officials say they are taking new steps to expedite the process for Tuesday’s general election.

The city recruited 27 volunteers for a newly-created night shift to assist in processing ballots after polls close at 8 p.m., Emma Pettit, a spokeswoman for Acting Mayor Kim Janey, said in an e-mail Tuesday evening.

“The Boston Election Department has increased internal and external outreach efforts to ensure that there are an adequate number of volunteers for Election Day,” she said.

In addition, the city has added more teams to retrieve ballots from drop boxes on Election Day and has increased the number of times the drop boxes are being emptied.

Boston voters poised to remake City Council — 8:01 p.m.

By Tiana Woodard and Danny McDonald, Globe Staff

As polls closed, Boston awaited to see the new make-up of its City Council, with an array of competitive races in the mix and five open seats that will guarantee significant turnover — thanks in large part to this year’s crowded mayoral contest.

Voters could have potentially made history Tuesday by electing the first members of several different immigrant communities, and, no matter the results, they will have an elected Black male councilor for the first time in years. But questions of who won and who lost were still open shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m.

Polls suggest at-large incumbents Michael Flaherty and Julia Mejia were in strong positions to be reelected, and that four other candidates are battling for the other two citywide council seats.

Polls have closed in Boston’s historic mayoral race — 8:00 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Polls have closed in Boston’s historic mayoral race, bringing months of campaigning, debates, and get-out-the-vote efforts to an end in a contest that will see the city elect its first woman of color to the office.

Voters cast their ballots for Annissa Essaibi George or Michelle Wu, both of whom fanned out across the city on Tuesday, making their final pitches to voters.

In addition to the mayoral race, four at-large Boston City Council seats are up for grabs, as well as contests across a number of city council districts.

Now comes the waiting. Follow along here as live results stream in.

Boston votes on ballot questions on budgeting, the School Committee, and a proposed electric facility — 7:46 p.m.

By Jeremy C. Fox, Globe Staff

Along with choosing a new mayor and city councilors, Boston voters on Tuesday also were presented with three ballot questions that involve changing the city’s budget process, building an electrical facility in East Boston and restoring an elected school committee.

Question 1 was a binding referendum asking whether the city should overhaul its budget process, giving city councilors more sway over the city’s purse strings.

Question 2 was nonbinding and asked voters if they support a controversial electrical substation planned for East Boston.

Question 3 was also nonbinding and asked if the existing appointed School Committee structure should be changed to a School Committee elected by city residents.

‘I’m excited’: After campaigning for 36 hours straight, Essaibi George says she feels energized — 7:01 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

Annissa Essaibi George arrived earlier than planned at Morning Star Baptist Church in Mattapan. But instead of waiting in her SUV, as she did earlier in the day at an East Boston pizza place, she hopped out, looking energized and ready for the next phase of the evening.

“I feel good. I’m excited. I don’t know how to ... to describe my feelings. I feel strong, I feel prepared. I feel ready. I feel confident, not anxious, not nervous, but maybe a little anxious and nervous that I’m not anxious and nervous.”

Earlier Tuesday she stopped by the traditional Election Day reception at Santarpio’s Pizza in East Boston, as her opponent, Michelle Wu, was exiting the restaurant. Essaibi George stayed in the car returning messages, and missing an in-person interaction with Wu, before heading inside.

Essaibi George — in her pink coat and matching shoes — had spent 36 straight hours on the campaign trail, but felt revitalized after getting some sleep and an energy drink, she said. Out in the city Tuesday, she said she’s seen a lot of excitement and energy among voters. “I’ve seen voters showing up to the polls ready to go and that’s been very sort of personally rewarding, as they gave me a wink and a nod and ‘I’ve got you.’”

She said she’s been getting messages from her children asking what time to head to the election night party, adding that she’s waiting to see what the next hour of voting holds.

“But I’m most excited about the future of the city and the work that I’m going to do as mayor to lead the city in partnership with our residents across the city,’’ she said. “I’ve had my Red Bull lime ...and I’m ready to go. I’ve got a couple more hours left to me and [I’m] just excited to continue to meet our city’s residents as they show up to the polls.”

Boston City Council candidates make their final pitches as polls near closing — 6:47 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

As Election Day came to a close Tuesday evening, Boston City Council candidates were fanned out across the city, making their final pitches to voters and urging residents to cast their ballots before polls closed at 8 p.m.

“It’s still not too late,” City Councilor Julia Mejia, who is running for re-election, said from a stop in Brighton in a video posted to Twitter. “Get out there and vote.”

Ruthzee Louijeune, another at-large candidate, caught up with supporters during a stop at Morning Star Baptist Church in Mattapan.

City Councilor Kenzie Bok, who is running unopposed in District 8, tweeted from Mission Hill where she was joined by Louijeune and at-large candidate David Halbert.

Here’s why Boston’s turnout numbers may not tell the full story — 6:15 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

City of Boston turnout figures show fewer than 20 percent of eligible voters have cast ballots in the mayoral race so far, but that number may not tell the full story.

The Boston Elections Department said in an update at about 4:30 p.m. that as of 3 p.m., 77,911 ballots had been cast so far, representing a voter turnout of 17.62 percent of the city’s residents.

The city’s tally of ballots cast so far includes some mail-in ballots, a Boston elections official said, but not all of them. Mail-in ballots that came in on Tuesday, for example, haven’t yet been counted. That could mean turnout numbers are higher than what the city is reporting.

Once the polls close, the initial election results posted by city of Boston officials will not include ballots being centrally tabulated at City Hall or ballots that arrive on time but are too late to be counted at polling locations, the department noted on Twitter.

Polls remain open until 8 p.m. Tuesday. During a Monday press conference, Secretary of State William Galvin said he expects 135,000 voters to cast ballots in the mayoral election, a number that would lag previous open mayoral contests.

Volunteers, voters gather at Morning Star Baptist Church — 5:57 p.m.

By Meghan Irons, Globe Staff

Campaign volunteers shouted out the names of their favorite candidates past a slew of City Council campaign signs in front of the polling station at Morning Star Baptist Church in Mattapan.

“Ruthzee. Number 5,” says one about at-large candidate Ruthzee Louijeune.

“Please consider Brian Worrell, " says another of a District 4 council contender. “Born and raised in Dorchester.”

A steady stream of votes poured in and out the church.

“I am excited,” a jubilant Donna Price, a Mattapan hairstylist, said as she left the polling site. “Voice my choice. I voted for Annissa. I think she’d be great for the community. I like her stance, especially on the police.”

Voters in Mattapan say Boston’s high rent among the issues driving them to the polls — 5:43 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

A steady stream of voters made their way into the Mildred Avenue Community Center in Mattapan on Tuesday afternoon.

Yvonne Cordero, in a striped sweater and a mask embroidered with the words Black Lives Matter, hurried into the brick building to cast her vote for Michelle Wu.

The most important issue for her? The sky-high rents in Boston.

”I think Michelle will do more in terms of housing,” said Cordero, who lives in Dorchester and has worked for Boston Public Schools for 22 years.

“We have to do something about housing in this city,” she said. “I rent and it’s crazy. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have my voucher. I’d be homeless, probably.”

Sam Davies, who has lived in Dorchester for 30 years, also said concerns about high rents prompted him to vote for Wu on Tuesday.

“I like her approach to policies — rental policies,” he said. A security manager, Davies owns his home but wants to see rents in Boston reduced by the building of more affordable housing and more subsidies for low-income residents.

The high costs “contribute a lot to homelessness,” which Davies said is a growing concern for him.

Hector Gonzalez, a Lyft driver from Mattapan, didn’t want to say who he was voting for on Tuesday, but he said that casting a vote for either candidate was better than sitting out the election.

“I don’t know either one of them, really, I don’t know their agenda,” he said. “But I’m better off to come and vote. Maybe I get helped along the way because I’m a voter? I’ve just got to keep up my struggle.”

‘I hate the thought of there just being 30 percent turnout’: Roslindale voters talk what brought them to the polls — 5:20 p.m.

By Dugan Arnett, Globe Staff

It was civic duty that brought Roslindale resident Kim O’Byrne out Tuesday afternoon.

“I hate the thought of there just being 30 percent turnout,” she said after casting her ballot inside St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church.

For Michael Ieong, it was a chance to pump some new blood into Boston’s political system.

“One thing that’s clear is that there’s a sense of nepotism in Boston politics,” he said. “And it seemed to me that Anissa was much more old guard.”

For Michael Brewer, no issue was more important than city housing costs.

“So many people can’t afford the rent here,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”

Though Brewer had initially supported Andrea Campbell in the preliminary, his second choice was Wu, whose vows to help with rising rent costs in Boston and make the T more accessible made her an appealing choice, he said.

As for whether he was confident she would make good on those promises?

“Politicians always say it and then they get in and don’t do anything,” Brewer said. “The only thing you can do is wait and see what she does when she gets there.”

‘I’m so happy it’s over here’: For some, a welcome end to campaign season — 4:38 p.m.

By Dugan Arnett, Globe Staff

Outside of the St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Roslindale on Tuesday, a historic mayoral election wasn’t the only reason for excitement.

The day also marked the end of a campaign season that has brought a seemingly endless stream of campaign calls, fliers, and text messages.

“I’m so happy it’s over here,” said Paul Ginocchio. “Every hour on the hour it’s been a door-knock or a flier in the mailbox.”

“The texts,” added Michael Ieong. “We get a lot of texts.”

The campaigning hadn’t completely wound down Tuesday — a number of campaign workers handed out leaflets outside the church, which served as a polling place — but residents seemed more than happy that it would be winding down soon.

‘Should I be nervous that I’m not nervous and anxious?’ Essaibi George says as she greets voters in Dorchester — 4:36 p.m.

By Julia Carlin, Globe Correspondent

Less than four hours before polls close, Annissa Essaibi George arrived at Dorchester’s Florian Hall wearing her usual hot pink from head to toe.

“Should I be nervous that I’m not nervous and anxious?” she said, waving to honking cars and hugging voters who arrived in pink face masks and hats in support.

“I feel a great deal of honor to be apart of this moment in Boston’s history. … Certainly we have got to reflect on Boston’s history,” she said. “But we’ve got so much work to do for our city’s residents— especially those who have been historically left out,” she said.

On day one, she will begin fulfilling the promises she’s made along the campaign trail, she said.

Essaibi George escorts her mother and Mary Walsh to polls — 4:31 p.m.

By Laura Crimaldi, Globe Staff

One is the mother of a former mayor-turned US labor secretary. The other is the mother of a city councilor who is vying to be the first woman elected as mayor of Boston.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mary Walsh and Barbara Essaibi cast their ballots in the mayoral election simultaneously after being escorted to the polls by their candidate, Annissa Essaibi George.

Essaibi and Walsh greeted Essaibi George when she got to the polling spot on Dorchester Avenue at about 3:15 p.m.

”Almost over, kid,” Barbara Essaibi told her daughter.

The women posed for photographs and then walked into the Catherine Clark Apartments in Dorchester. Essaibi and Walsh voted together.

Walsh, the mother of Labor Secretary Martin J. Walsh, still lives on the same Dorchester street where Essaibi George grew up and has endorsed her candidacy. Her son, who left City Hall to become US labor secretary in March, didn’t endorse a candidate in the mayoral contest.

Inside the polling location, an election worker approached Essaibi George.

“Are you in line to vote?” she asked.

A moment later, the worker recognized Essaibi George.

“Oh, hi,” she said. “How are you?”

Essaibi George had voted earlier in the day at Bellflower Court in Dorchester.

After the two mothers voted, Essaibi George presented them with bouquets of pink flowers from Coleen’s Flower Shop, a florist located across the street from the Catherine Clark Apartments.

“I’m very proud of her,” Essaibi said of her daughter. “I’m hoping the city will change for the better. Whoever is elected, I hope it’s better.”

Essaibi George said it was a lot of fun to escort her mother and Walsh to the polls.

“To have them come in together is pretty spectacular,” she said.

Martin J. Walsh, she said, sent her a message on Monday and wished her luck.

“He understands, obviously, what it’s like to run for mayor and what it’s like to embark on this journey, this experience,” Essaibi George said. “I’m hopeful to be successful in this run.”

Why climate change is driving this voter — 3:01 p.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Ali Peccei, 58, walked with her 8-year-old black Labrador Roxy from her waterfront condo near the New England Aquarium to deposit her ballot into a City Hall drop box Tuesday afternoon.

Peccei said she was heartened to see two women candidates in the final race, but when it came down to climate change and environmental policies, she leaned toward Michelle Wu for the win.

“I think that she’s more pragmatic about the issues. I think she really has the good of the whole community at heart,” said Peccei, an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Wu’s Boston Green New Deal “is really important,” she said.

“A lot needs to be done to protect our whole waterfront, and I think that [Wu] is much stronger on that.”

Wu’s opponent, Annissa Essaibi George’s marriage to a developer and the amount of Republican money funding her race also were factors for Peccei.

“(Essaibi George) is talking the talk, but I think she’s really going to end up supporting more development,” Peccei said.

Mayoral rivals nearly cross paths during pizza tradition in East Boston — 2:50 p.m.

By Laura Crimaldi, Globe Staff

Mayoral rivals Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George came close to crossing paths Tuesday afternoon in East Boston, but alas, the meeting never materialized.

The traditional Election Day lunch at Santarpio’s Pizza was the backdrop for the near encounter. Wu got there first, just after 12 p.m. Essaibi George drove up in a black SUV about a half hour later, and waited outside until Wu and her aides left at 12:40 p.m.

Mayoral candidate Michelle Wu, left, and City Councilor Lydia Edwards visited Santarpio’s Pizza in East Boston on Election Day, a longstanding tradition in Boston politics.Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff

City Councilor Lydia Edwards of East Boston hosted the gathering where city politicians, past and present, gathered in a wood-paneled dining room to lunch on pizza, sausage, peppers, and bread.

Edwards, who endorsed Wu, said the scene was a blend of the old and the new.

“I think this is an exact example of why we’re with Michelle,” said Edwards as she stood with Wu. “We bring together our traditions. We bring together new people. This is exactly what Boston is.”

The monumental change Boston is about to undergo in electing its first woman mayor was evident. Wu and Edwards spoke to reporters while standing in front of a table where only men were seated. Seated in the middle of the table was Robert Travaglini, the former state Senate president.

If elected, Wu said the opening days of her administration will be focused on the humanitarian crisis at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, supporting the school system, preparing for winter, and pursuing her public transportation agenda.

“We’ll be ready to go with a cabinet and departments that reflect all of Boston and represent the direction that we’re going to take the city,” Wu said.

Essaibi George said if she wins the election, a top priority will be to implement her plan to improve Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. The process must start right away, she said, because of budget deadlines.

“Madison Park needs to be done quickly as we prepare for our school budget,” she said.

Her administration would also implement recommendations from the Boston Police Reform Task Force, draw up plans to provide down payment assistance to would-be homebuyers, and address the crisis at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, she said.

“The important work that needs to be done, I’m ready to do,” she said.

Two candidates for at-large city councilor were also at the lunch.

Michael Flaherty, an incumbent, said he makes the Election Day trip to Santarpio’s every year.

“There’s a lot of political camaraderie going on right now,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to see some folks, get off your feet for a few minutes, and then get back out there for the afternoon.”

Ruthzee Louijeune, a first-time candidate for at-large city councilor, said she was taking in the scene at Santarpio’s while sticking to a busy campaign schedule.

“We’re not staying long. We’re hitting the road to make sure we’re knocking on doors and encouraging people to vote at the polls,” she said.

Louijeune said she planned to skip the pizza.

“I don’t need this pizza. It’s OK,” she said. “I have Haitian patties in my car. I’m Haitian. It’s my good luck meal. I’m gonna have me a patty and I’m gonna go about my business.”

‘Either way, as a woman, it’s a big win’ — 2:34 p.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

It is Michelle Wu’s policies regarding both underrepresented groups and the environment that most spoke to Christina Gibbons, a 26-year-old tech designer who walked to City Hall to vote Tuesday.

Gibbons said she was excited to participate in the historic vote that guaranteed Boston’s first elected woman mayor.

”Either way, as a woman, it’s a big win,” she said.

Globe quiz helped this voter confirm her pick for mayor — 2:32 p.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Debby Murphy, a retired ESL teacher, said Michelle Wu easily won her vote.

A Boston Globe quiz, designed to reveal which mayoral candidate the quiz taker agreed with the most, helped confirm what Murphy suspected: “[Wu] was more aligned with my beliefs.”

Still, Murphy said, ”If Michele doesn’t win, it’s not the end of the world.

“I’m just happy to live in a state where voting is normal.”

Police reform has one voter eyeing Wu for mayor — 2:25 p.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Over the years, small business owner Matthew Broude, 38, has voted for both Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George as at-large city council candidates. So, each had his strong consideration when it came to the mayor’s race.

Wu won out.

”She’s been very attentive to a wide variety of issues,” Broude said after voting at City Hall during the noon hour. “I think she’s been a progressive leader on budget reform, development, addressing homelessness, housing costs, really the whole laundry list.”

He said he still respects Essaibi George’s work on council, too.

”I felt that her campaign was not as oriented toward making larger changes as much as Michelle’s,” he said.

Before heading off to lunch with his husband, Broude said he was particularly enthused by hopes that Wu would ”substantially rethink” both the development process and “how we use police.”

”I would like to see police reform,” he said, adding that he didn’t believe Wu believes in “defunding the police” as a superPAC supporting Essaibi George has suggested. “I don’t think that accurately describes her position.”

‘Young people get more involved every year’: Students make their voices heard in the election — 2:16 p.m.

By Julia Carlin, Globe Correspondent

A steady flow is students poured into Boston University’s Kilachand Hall around mid-day.

Senior Jackson Moore-Otto hung around outside, sporting his “I voted” sticker that he received after casting his ballot in Cambridge this morning.

“My family rents our home and we see how expensive it is. We’ve seen people be pushed out,” said the Cambridge-native. “It’s a city I want to continue to live in, so housing is absolutely my number one priority when I vote.”

In part due to his family’s experience, Moore-Otto is very politically engaged; he’s treasurer for Cambridge City Council candidate Burhan Azeem’s campaign, and a political science major. Many of his peers, he said, are active voters too.

“It seems that young people get more and more involved each year,” he said. “I think partly it’s due to social media. If you’re new to a city it makes, it much easier to identify the political landscape.”

He also credits the increased engagement to what he calls “the post-Trump political consciousness” that he said radicalized young people, and to the awareness of issues like climate change, which will disproportionately impact future generations.

However, it was much slower over at Northeastern University’s Matthews Arena, a central polling location for students at Boston Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and Northeastern.

Boston Conservatory freshman Linus Adler was one of the few students casting a ballot around noon. He said he was excited to vote in his first mayoral election, but many of his friends didn’t take the opportunity.

“I’ve always thought it was important to participate and vote confidently,” said Adler, who voted for Michelle Wu. “I’ve spoken with a lot of people, but I didn’t find anyone else [who] was voting.”

Voters across Greater Boston cast ballots in local mayoral races — 1:17 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Voters are casting ballots Tuesday in contested mayoral races in more than a dozen cities across Greater Boston, making decisions that could shake up local leadership as communities continue their recovery from the pandemic.

Incumbents are being challenged in cities including Framingham, Medford, Newton, Salem, and Everett. Mayors in Somerville and Lynn aren’t running for reelection, and contested races in those cities will be settled by voters, as well as in Lawrence, where the acting mayor seeks a full term.

Somerville mayoral candidate Katjana Ballantyne (center) voted at the VNA Assisted Living Facility on Alewife Brook Parkway, then campaigned with her family. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
Somerville mayoral candidate Wilfred N. Mbah arrives to vote at the VNA Assisted Living Facility on the Alewife Brook Parkway with his wife Christelle, daughter Grace, and son Joel.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

In Framingham, Newton, and Salem, incumbent mayors have been making the case for new terms this election season. These leaders also stand out as the first women elected by their cities to serve as mayor.

Incumbents in Medford and Everett are also asking for voters for another term.

Contested mayoral races are also being held Tuesday in Amesbury, Attleboro, Beverly, Brockton, Fall River, Gloucester, Haverhill, Marlborough, and Newburyport.

By Laura Crimaldi, Globe Staff

About three hours after polls opened, more than 600 voters had cast their ballots at one of the five precincts in the gym at East Boston High School.

Juan Ramos, 42, who works in communications for a nonprofit, said he backed City Councilor Michelle Wu, citing her focus on improving public transportation.

“As someone who doesn’t drive and relies on public transportation, I do want that to be a top priority for the next mayor,” he said.

Affordable housing is also important for Ramos, who purchased a condo five years ago in East Boston.

“I’m a homeowner because I qualified for affordable housing,” he said. “I believe there should be more affordable condos like the one I was able to qualify for.”

Endang Wijaya walked her dog, Vinnie, to vote at East Boston High School.

She said Wu was her pick for mayor because she likes her plans to invest in housing, schools, transportation, and public health.

“I hear Annissa is focusing on the police,” Wijaya said.

She said she’s worried about affordability, saying young people can’t afford to live in the city.

“They have to move out because they can’t afford it anymore,” Wijaya said.

Candice Romero said she voted for City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George.

She said she is skeptical of Wu’s plans to make the MBTA free, likening it to campaigning for student government by promising to abolish homework.

“That’s kind of a hard promise to make. I just don’t know how that’s doable,” said Romero, an East Boston resident.

She said she supports Essaibi George’s proposals for addressing the crisis of substance abuse among homeless people who gather at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

“I get how people fall into those ruts,” she said. “It’s hard to get help.”

Bill Dello Russo, a retired cabinet maker from East Boston, said he voted for Essaibi George, who taught in East Boston. He said she strikes him as “more for Boston.”

Dello Russo said Essaibi George’s views on policing align with his. She wants to add officers to the police force.

“I like police,” he said. “I like to know when I call 911 or my wife calls 911 that somebody will show up.”

By Laura Crimaldi, Globe Staff

State Representative Adrian Madaro of East Boston greeted voters outside the high school.

He is not on the ballot, but has been a vocal opponent of plans to build an electric substation on Condor Street in East Boston. The proposal is before voters as a non-binding ballot question.

In the City Hall races, Madaro said he supports Wu for mayor and backs David Halbert and Ruthzee Louijeune in the contest for at-large city councilor.

Voters in East Boston, Madaro said, are concerned about affordable housing, climate change, income inequality, and public health.

“For much of the duration of the pandemic, we were the hardest-hit neighborhood by COVID,” he said. “Those issues are certainly front and center.”

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Rob Eddy, 70, voted for Michelle Wu at City Hall mid morning Tuesday.

”I like the way she gets people together and negotiates with them,” he said.

Eddy, who lives in the Financial District, said he felt Wu’s answers in TV debates were specific, though he said Annissa Essaibi George’s were as well.

”What I did not like,” Eddy said, “was [Essaibi] George’s last-minute advertising tactics. She made accusations about Wu where Wu had no opportunity to respond.”

Three days before Election Day, an ad from a super PAC supporting Essaibi George prompted Wu’s campaign to send a cease-and-desist letter to prevent it from airing on local cable TV and local network stations, calling it false and defamatory.

”I also like that Wu, from what I’ve seen, always took the highroad,” Eddy said. “[Essaibi] George at times tried, I think, but just couldn’t maintain it.”

People can vote without wearing masks, and poll workers must let them, Galvin says — 11:07 a.m.

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

People who choose not to wear a mask will be voting in Boston and all other communities holding elections Tuesday, according to Secretary of State William Galvin’s office.

Galvin’s office said key parts of the special guidance issued for the 2020 election to town and local officials laying out public health precautions due to COVID-19 are still in effect for the 2021 elections.

According to Galvin’s office, local governments can encourage people to wear masks while inside polling places, but they cannot require them.

By Julia Carlin, Globe Correspondent

Outside the Dewitt Center, Brian Keith passed out flyers for Tania Fernandes Anderson, candidate for District 7 Councilor.

“In Roxbury, we need someone with a clear vision, someone who can bridge community and businesses,” said the co-founder of Rooted in Roxbury, a cannabis company.

“Roxbury has seen a lot of development in recent years and it doesn’t always go smoothly,” Keith said. “I think she has the experience needed to bring community and business together.”

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Eighty-seven-year-old Christopher Weir’s mayoral vote wholeheartedly went to Michelle Wu.

“Michelle is a very educated and forward-thinking person,” said Weir, a faculty member who teaches marketing and research at Cambridge College.

“My concern with Essaibi George is really one of morals and ethics,” Weir said outside the West End Branch Library in Beacon Hill Tuesday morning. “There’s a great deal of controversy swirling around her and her husband on real estate deals.”

Nor did Weir approve of political action committee ads backing Essaibi George that “attack Michelle on affordable housing.”

“That upset me,” he said.

Michelle Wu casts her ballot in Roslindale — 9:56 a.m.

By Elizabeth Koh, Globe Staff

Michelle Wu arrived at Phineas Bates Elementary School in Roslindale Tuesday around 8:45 a.m. to a small gaggle of supporters waving her signature purple signs, eager to watch her cast her vote for Boston’s next mayor.

Boston mayoral candidate Michelle Wu was accompanied by her family as she voted at the Phineas Bates Elementary School. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff

As supporter Mimi Turchinetz, 61, chirped, “Good morning, Mayor Wu!” Wu slipped masks on her sons Blaise and Cass — each clutching a little Lego plane and car. With her husband, Conor, Wu stepped inside to cast her ballot, television cameras snapping footage of the moment.

“We almost didn’t make it out the door,” she joked after, as her sons picked out chocolate chip cookies and a raspberry jam bar at the election bake sale stationed outside. (Wu picked up a loaf of banana bread for herself, and handed the seller a $20 — “no change.”)

She told reporters she planned to continue campaigning around the city Tuesday “pushing every single vote,” though polls have continued to show her with a commanding 30-plus point lead over rival Annissa Essaibi George.

“We’re going to be working for the next 11 hours at the polls to make sure everyone comes out,” she said.

But she also spoke confidently of her plans after the election, stressing the need for the next mayor to “hit the ground running” when the winner takes office Nov. 16. She described the need to transition quickly with the incoming cold weather and her plan to appoint a chief to handle the opioid crisis at the area known as Mass. and Cass.

“We’ll be working to ensure we are ready for the storms, ready for the winter, supporting our schools, as we’re now in the third year affected by the pandemic,” she said.

‘It’ll open the eyes of ignorant people’: The fight against racism drives one woman’s vote in Mattapan — 9:38 a.m.

By Tiana Woodard, Globe Staff

A steady trickle of voters filed into Morning Star Baptist Church on Blue Hill Avenue after 8 a.m. Tuesday morning to cast their ballot. Black signs dotting their path shared a short yet powerful message: “Just vote.”

Volunteers for at-large city councilor candidates Ruthzee Louijeune and David Halbert and District 4 councilor candidates Brian Worrell and Evandro Carvalho flagged down voters at the door. Halbert shook hands with passersby.

Halbert’s presence won the support of Stephanie Hughes-Wallace, 58, who hadn’t decided on either at-large or district candidates before voting at the church.

“It shows me [Halbert] is willing to fight,” Hughes-Wallace said. “He’s willing to come into the community and reach the people. When I see people out on the frontline, you earn my respect.”

The Mattapan resident was torn between the two mayoral candidates, but backed Wu because she’s a “community leader.” As she explained the issues that influenced her vote, Hughes-Wallace shed tears describing the racism her 5-year-old grandson might face as a Black boy.

“The minute we walk through a door, we’re judged just because of the color of our skin,” she said, speaking through tears. “I don’t want any of that for my grandson or any Black child.”

“I hope that if I vote for Michelle Wu — being a woman, being a mother, being a minority — it’ll open the eyes of ignorant people,” Hughes-Wallace said.

A new citizen’s first time voting in a Boston mayoral election — 9:27 a.m.

By Tonya Alanez, Globe Staff

Thais Carvalho walked with her husband and Pomeranian pup Foxy to the West End Branch Library in Beacon Hill Tuesday morning to cast her first mayoral vote since becoming a US citizen.

Carvalho, 25, originally from Brazil, voted for Michelle Wu.

“I’m very excited to be voting for a daughter of immigrants,” said Carvalho, who works in consulting. “Because I’m an immigrant myself.”

The West End Branch Library was up to 54 voters a little after 9 a.m.

Jen Joyce, who cast her vote for Michelle Wu, was one of those voters.

“I think it’s great to have two female candidates and more diverse candidates than we’ve had in the past,” said Joyce, 41, who works in investments.

The mayoral candidates had strong similarities but watching the debates was what “tilted” Joyce toward Wu, she said.

‘I enjoy coming every year’: A Mission Hill poll worker gears up for the flow of voters — 9:07 a.m.

By Julia Carlin, Globe Correspondent

Poll worker Bill Sullivan was outside the Mission Main Community Center around 8 a.m. having a cigarette break. For 24 years, Sullivan has volunteered and watched as the slate of candidates evolved, became younger and more diverse.

“I enjoy coming every year and seeing the people,” said Sullivan, a retired caterer. “But they’re long days, especially when it’s quiet like this.”

By 8:30 a.m., an hour and a half after polls opened, only about 60 people had voted here. Sullivan said he expects activity to pick up around dinner time.

But since the pandemic started, the bulk of the votes come by mail, he said. Sullivan said he thinks mail-in voting should stick around, especially in communities like his, with a large population of elderly people.

“People are busy. We have to make it easy for them,” he said.

Weather for Election Day will be in the 50s, National Weather Service says — 8:28 a.m.

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

Boston’s historic election will be accompanied by largely decent weather with temperatures peaking in the 50s, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.

“Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56,” forecasters wrote Tuesday.

There is a small chance for showers, just 20 percent, and those aren’t expected to arrive until mid-afternoon. “But mostly a dry weather day,” forecasters tweeted.

And there will be little wind, a contrast to last week’s nor’easter that hammered the region with gusts over 80 mph. Wind will range between just 5 to 8 miles an hour, forecasters wrote.

Annissa Essaibi George casts her ballot in Dorchester — 7:45 a.m.

By Tiana Woodard, Globe Staff

As the sun rose above Bellflower apartments in Dorchester, mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George, in her signature pink coat and shoes, waited for the polls to open. With a black tumbler in her right hand, she greeted about everyone who passed the polling location.

One passerby walked up to her and wished her luck in today’s historic election.

“When do you get to take a nap?” he asked.

“When I go to sleep tonight,” Essaibi George joked.

Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George cast her ballot in Dorchester.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

While waiting for the clock to strike 7 a.m., she told the press about her confidence in Tuesday’s election results. Though polls show her opponent, Michelle Wu, with a considerable lead, she said she’s relying on “internal results.”

“The prelims had me in third and fourth in almost every poll before Election Day,” Essaibi George said. “The only polls that matter are the ones here today.”

Inside, her four sons — Douglas, Charlie, Kayden, and Samir — watched from a distance as Essaibi George cast her ballot.

“I hope turnout is high!” she told the poll workers before heading to her next destination on a day packed with campaign stops at multiple polling locations.

Her husband, Doug, and her children hugged her in the building’s courtyard. A group of seven canvassers for her campaign cheered her on from across the street.

Here’s your guide to Election Day in Boston — 7:00 a.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Boston voters are taking to the polls to cast their votes for the city’s mayor, city council candidates, and weigh in on ballot questions.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Here’s a look at where you can cast your vote, who’s on the ballot in each race, and what issues are at stake.

Boston is at a crossroads of old and new, a tug-of-war soon to be decided with Tuesday’s historic mayoral election.

This map shows how each Boston precinct voted in the preliminary mayoral election.Boston Globe

Globe reporters fanned out to six neighborhoods across the city that help illustrate where and how political ideologies and power structures have shifted over the last decade, areas where time-honored establishments remain ingrained and areas where residents are looking for bold change and believe their long-dreamed-of new Boston at last has a chance.

By Danny McDonald and Emma Platoff, Globe staff

On the next-to-last day of her mayoral campaign, Michelle Wu was once again on the trail, shaking hands and posing for selfies at Pavement Coffeehouse, in the heart of Boston University’s campus on Commonwealth Avenue.

“We’re down to the wire here,” she said of the contest that she formally joined more than a year ago.

Her rival, fellow Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, meanwhile was halfway through a 24-hour campaign blitz. Her schedule Monday included door-knocking in Dorchester, a tour of a nonprofit that helps children experiencing homelessness, and a get-out-the-vote rally in Hyde Park.

Sahar Fatima can be reached at sahar.fatima@globe.com Follow her @sahar_fatima. Amanda Kaufman can be reached at amanda.kaufman@globe.com. Follow her @amandakauf1.

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