Schools, development on minds as voters head to polls in Boston City Council races

At the South Boston branch library, nearly a dozen supporters of the candidates held campaign signs.

In District 3, based in Dorchester, seven candidates are seeking to replace longtime Couincilor Maureen Feeney, who is stepping down. They are: Frank Baker, Doug Bennett, Stephanie L. Everett, Craig M. Galvin, Martin J. Hogan, John K. O’Toole and Marydith E. Tuitt.

In District 7, incumbent Tito Jackson, who succeeded disgraced councilor Chuck Turner earlier this year, faces three challengers -- Althea Garrison, Roy Owens, and Sheneal Parker.

"I like Tito, Mr. Jackson," Rosa Venson, 70, said after voting at Symphony Plaza East in the Fenway neighborhood. "I like the things he says. ... I just think he comes across as a really really nice, honest person and I like honest people."

She said she agreed with Jackson on issues that matter to her, like care for the elderly, public safety, and working with young people.

Fenway voter Pam LaRue said she also voted for Jackson. "Tito Jackson sent me a postcard--otherwise I wouldn't have known there was an election," LaRue said.

Mwagale Babumba, 30, was greeting voters outside the Yawkey Club, on Warren Street in Roxbury today, asking them to support Parker. Nearby, a Jackson supporter also held a sign.

Turnout was light at the Yawkey Club -- only only around 30 voters had cast ballots as of 10:30 a.m. -- but both campaigners were hopeful activity would increase in the afternoon.

“It seems like it will pick up when people get out of work,” said Babumba, a Fenway resident who said she lives across the street from Parker.

At the Higginson/Lewis K-8 School in Roxbury, where residents from four precincts can vote, Jed Hresko, field director for Parker’s campaign, said that from a campaigning standpoint, the spring’s recent special election to replace Turner had proved helpful in targeting potential voters.

“One thing about the special election is now we know who the super voters are,” said Hresko. “We know exactly who voted in March and who voted in [the special election’s preliminary in] February.”

Florian Hall in Dorchester was a hub of activity this afternoon. In addition to supporters for the District 3 hopefuls, several candidates for at-large seats were campaigning even though their races are not on the ballot until Nov. 8.

"District races are very special,'' said Feeney, the outgoing councilor. You have people who know everyone personally so it's always challenging. It's exciting to see so many people [candidates] willing to put themselves on the line. It says a lot about Dorchester."

For more details on all the candidates and where they stand on key issues, go to boston.com/yourtown and click on your specific Boston neighborhood.

(Matt Rocheleau for boston.com)

Candidates' supporters outside Higginson/Lewis K-8 School in Roxbury.