By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Oct. 1, 2020) Berlin voters will choose a mayor and three councilmembers to fill the District 2, District 3 and at-large council seats next Tuesday.

In one of the largest races in town’s history, five mayoral candidates: incumbent Gee Williams, Councilman Zackery Tyndall, Ron Bireley, Jennifer Allen and William “Bill” Todd, two District 3 candidates: Shaneka Nichols and Dan Packey, two at-large candidates: Jay Knerr and Tony Weeg, and one District 2 candidate, Jack Orris, will appear on the ballot.

The town did not receive any write-in candidates by the 5 p.m. deadline on Tuesday.

Amid coronavirus concerns, town officials are encouraging absentee voting for the municipal election.

“Voters wishing to vote absentee do not have to provide a reason such as illness or travel. They only need to submit an application and then will be sent a ballot when their application is approved,” said Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen.

Voters have until Friday at 5 p.m. to submit applications for absentee voting in person at Town Hall, 10 William Street.

Polling places will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters in Districts 1 and 2 will vote at Buckingham Presbyterian Church at 20 S. Main Street and voters in Districts 3 and 4 will vote at the Berlin Police Department at 129 Decatur Street.

According to Bohlen, at a minimum face coverings and social distancing will be required at polling places.