If early voting is an indication of enthusiasm for the national and state elections, it may be safe to say that Hopkinton residents are feeling energized about this election cycle.

According to Town Clerk Connor Degan, his office received over 5,000 early voting and mail-in ballots as of Friday morning. Representing about 37% of Hopkinton’s 13,000 eligible voters, these numbers are similar to other years with high turnout.

“It’s comparative to what we saw for early voting when it was first launched in 2016,” said Degan.

As much as 80%-90% of eligible voters in town could cast their ballots this election cycle, according to Degan. He added that a significant number of early voters and mail-in ballots means shorter lines on election day this coming Tuesday.

When asked about the mood of voters this year, Degan said he’s noticed a difference.

“I’ve seen what I consider a lot of energy this cycle, which is nice,” he said. “I didn’t feel as much of that in the last couple presidential cycles.”

Degan’s feelings are reflected by other political leaders in town. Select Board chair Brian Herr encouraged voters to get their ballots in early, if possible.

“I think it’s going to be a huge turnout [on Election Day],” he said.

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Beyond interest in the presidential election, there are races down-ballot — an open U.S. Senate seat and a race for the Governor’s Council — that could have a real impact on Hopkinton residents. This year’s ballot also has questions that address issues like MCAS, server wages and more.

“It’s important that people … try to make decisions that are based on the merits of each candidate and each question,” advised Jim Mirabile, chair of the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee.

While the HRTC is not making any statements in support of any of the questions on the ballot, Mirabile says his committee is hoping to “get some balance back to government.” 

“Certainly moving back towards the middle would be in the best interest of the town and the commonwealth,” he said.

This year’s election presents some of those opportunities, but he says the group’s focus remains on Hopkinton.

Stressed Mirabile: “Town issues are number one with us.”

Herr echoed Mirabile’s sentiment. 

“I think we need to stay focused on [Hopkinton] and not get caught up in the mess,” said Herr.

Though the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee also is concerned with local issues, chair Amy Groves says there is real worry about how the national election will affect residents.

“Many of us are very, very worried about our rights, our freedoms and our safety,” said Groves.

“We’re profoundly worried about the strength of our democratic republic going forward,” she added.

The HDTC has endorsed Questions 2 and 3 on the ballot — which address MCAS requirements and unions for rideshare drivers, respectively — as well as Tamisha Civil in the race for Governor’s Council.

“We really want to see a variety of points of views and a variety of backgrounds on that committee,” Groves said.

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Despite differences in how they view the issues in this year’s election, all agree that there is a real need for a return to civil discussion in town.

Mirabile hopes there can be a return “to some level of civility with the discourse, where people with differing opinions can voice those opinions without being targeted or ostracized.”

Likewise, Groves expressed wishes to return to a steadier state where folks could “talk actual policy.”

Some of that civility is already being seen at the polls, according to Degan. He noted that as early voting has progressed, residents have been cooperative with the process.

He also said that bad actors have “been outliers.”

Added Degan: “Even with some issues going on in Massachusetts, Hopkinton hasn’t seen them.”

The Town Clerk’s office maintains an open and transparent process that voters can observe from the time voting starts through Election Day.

“Every step of the process is done in a place where people can observe and view it,” said Degan, adding he is happy to have residents come in and discuss any election concerns with his office.

Early voting for the general election closed Friday, although mail-in ballots can be dropped off through Tuesday. Degan recommended anyone with an outstanding mail-in ballot deposit it in the drop box outside of Town Hall rather than send it through the mail to make sure it gets to his office by Election Day.

Polls will be open Tuesday at Hopkinton Middle School from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Check the Town Clerk’s election webpage for more information about voting, including precinct maps and registration status.