State primary election this Thursday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In just a few days, Massachusetts will hold its state primary election, when each party will determine which candidates' names will appear on the November ballot.

Springfield voters who live in ward 5-H will be at the Church in the Acres Thursday to cast their votes.

Massachusetts officials are preparing for the state's first Thursday primary in more than 20 years. Voter interest usually runs high during Presidential Election years, but Secretary of State William Galvin says turnout is expected to be less than 15 percent. But Galvin did say turnout could exceed the statewide expectations in areas where there are several contests, like here in western Massachusetts.

• Primary Overview: Races & Candidates

Incumbent Congressman Richard Neal is being challenged for re-election to a re-drawn Congressional district by two fellow Democrats: Former State Senator Andrea Nuciforo of Pittsfield and Bill Shein of Alford.

The re-drawn 1st District includes all of Berkshire County, western portions of Hampshire and Franklin counties, all of Hampden County, and southwestern portions of Worcester County.

Congressman James McGovern of Worcester is being challenged for the Democratic nomination for a re-drawn 2nd Congressional District by William Feegbeh of Worcester.

The new district incorporates much of Worcester County, plus eastern portions of Franklin and Hampshire Counties.

Also on the ballot will be races for Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts and Governors Council.

We'll have all your results on Election night Thursday, online from any device at wwlp.com, and on 22News at 11.

• 2012 Primary Election Results