Matthew Baynes, 27, is a painter in East Boston. Baynes hopes that Mayor Wu can improve the cities transportation system in her second term. “I'm big in favor of bike lanes and Improving the ‘T’ to the capacity that the mayor can.“ #boselect #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Charles Blodgett, 57, is retired and working the polls today in East Boston. He believes that housing should be the overall priority this election. “I think housing is a biggest issue” @thescopenu.bsky.social #boselect_nu #bospoli

Glenn Shaw, 59, is an accountant in East Boston. Shaw who resides in orient heights hopes to see improvements in his neighborhood. “There’s only one priority I hope to see and that’s distribution of city services.” @thescopenu.bsky.social #bospoli #boselect_nu

Outside of the Boston Public Library in Back Bay, voters are looking at the November 2 general election with optimism about Boston’s future. 🗳️🧵 @thescopenu.bsky.social

“I feel like 2028’s going to be a big year and I wanted to start the foundation with some voting,” Amanda Buck, a strategy consultant from Back Bay said. She in favor of Mayor Michelle Wu’s support of keeping Boston as a sanctuary city for immigrants. #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

“I want Boston to remain feeling safe, and I think Mayor Wu has done a really good job at doing that — speaking against Trump, fighting ICE,” Kelly Morrow of Hyde Park said. As a commuter, Morrow appreciates Mayor Wu’s support of commuter rail zone reforms as well. @thescopenu.bsky.social

Indus Johnson, 49, a city employee campaigning for Henry Santana, arrived at the polling center at 7 a.m. this morning. She's noticed a lower voter turnout this year. “I think that ICE is a really big part of it. I’ve done this for years and everybody is scared.” #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Imogen Bowden, a 27-year-old lawyer from the Fenway wants to see Boston electeds stand up to federal officials on immigration after a neighbor in her building was taken by ICE officers. “I was like, OK, so we’re taking scientists?” says Bowden. #bostonpoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Meredith Somers, 41, a marketing professional in the Fenway neighborhood, says she hopes to see more small businesses in the area. When asked what she wants to see from elected officials, Somers says,  “I would like them to actually stick to what they campaigned on.” @thescopenu.bsky.social

Patrick Rhatigan, a 24-year-old research assistant at Harvard Medical School, says that as a Fenway resident he hopes officials will improve transportation options. When asked about Wu’s priorities, he replied, “I hope she doesn’t back down from bike lane stuff.” #bostonpoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Meredith Somers, 41, a marketing professional in Fenway, says she hopes to see more small businesses in the area. When asked what she wants from elected officials this election, Somers says, “I would like them to actually stick to what they campaigned on.” #bostonpoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Billy Bliss, an 85-year-old retiree from Fenway went to the polls this morning to ensure Boston continues to be “perfect”. #boselect_nu #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Brian Walker, a retired Fenway resident in his 80s, went to go vote this morning in hopes to see better public transit in the neighborhood and less crime throughout the city. #boselect_nu #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Jackson Shiker, a 27-year-old freelance illustrator, Fenway resident, and self-proclaimed member of the “Wu Crew” went to cast his vote today. He hopes to one day see Mayor Wu’s original campaign promise of free public transportation come to fruition. #boselect_nu #bospoli @thescopenu.bsky.social

Peter Gerlings, 60, a cyclist in the nonprofit field, rescheduled his Nebraska trip to vote in person today. “I figure more is better,” he said, referring to Mayor Wu’s re-election. “I like what she’s done, standing up for what the city believes in.” @thescopenu.bsky.social #boselect_nu #bospoli

👋 We’re The Scope, a digital publication telling stories of hope, justice, and resilience from communities across Boston. We believe journalism should serve the public good by connecting communities, amplifying overlooked voices, and helping Bostonians make sense of their city. thescopeboston.org