On Tuesday, April 28, slightly over 12% of registered Acton voters went to the polls (or mailed in their ballots ahead of time, or dropped ballots by the end of voting day) to elect several new Town officers, as well as re-electing some incumbents.
Wednesday, May 6 update: Final results, including precinct-by-precinct details are now posted at the Annual Town Election 2026.
Contested races, from most to least votes:
Select Board (top two vote winners will be seated)
- Pamela Nourse: 1653 votes
- Alissa Nicol (incumbent): 1639 votes
- Daniel Carroll: 325 votes
- Write-in votes: 9
School Committee (top three vote winners will be seated):
- Victoria (Tori) Campbell (incumbent): 1416 votes
- Jacob (Jake) Fay: 1260 votes
- Dennis Burianek: 1094 votes
- Natasha Sikorski-Onken: 851 votes
- Diego Represa: 540 votes
- Daniel Carroll: 231 votes
- Write-in votes: 17
Water District Commissioner (top vote winner will be seated):
- John Petersen: 1162 votes
- Stephen Stuntz (incumbent): 694 votes
- Write-in votes: 3
In addition, voters elected the following new and returning Acton residents to the following uncontested seats:
- Moderator: Jo-Ann Berry
- Memorial Library Trustee (3-year term): Tom Lemire
- Memorial Library Trustee (2-year term): Ann Marie Testarmata
- Housing Authority member: Mary Will
- Water District Clerk: Joseph Robb
Reactions to local elections
Acton Exchange editors invited candidates in contested elections and selected individuals close to the work of each Board/Committee/Commission to comment on the results of the recent elections. The following comments were received by email:
Select Board:
From Pam Nourse: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Town election by voting, volunteering, or running for office. Civic engagement is the foundation of what makes Acton strong. I am especially grateful to all who took time during the campaign to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I look forward to continuing these conversations as I serve on the Select Board.”
From Dean Charter: “I look forward to working with Alissa Nicol and Pam Nourse on the Select Board. Alissa has served quite well as Vice Chair this past year, and although she and I differ on many issues, she has all the tools to be a great Select Board Chair. I hope my colleagues agree when we reorganize after Town Meeting and that she will be elected unanimously.
“On the School District side, the slate of candidates elected appear very strong. Tori Campbell took a courageous stand with the school reorganization and I am glad that she will get to see it to fruition as a board member. I worked with Tori on Acton Leadership Group and was impressed with her collaborative approach.”
School Committee:
From Jake Fay: “I’m honored and grateful to have earned a seat on the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted, volunteered, or simply encouraged me along the way. This was a competitive race with six talented candidates, and I don’t take the community’s trust lightly. I’m eager to get to work on behalf of all of AB’s students, families, and educators.”
From Tori Campbell: “I appreciate everyone who stepped forward to run for office; it takes real courage to do so. I’m honored and humbled by the support of our community, and grateful for the dedicated, talented group of colleagues continuing and stepping into service across our town.
“We won’t always agree, and that’s a good thing. We are stronger when we challenge each other’s thinking. What matters is that we all understand what’s at stake and are committed to working together to move our community forward.”
From Natasha Sikorski-Onken: “Congratulations to those who were elected! I wish them success in the important and challenging work ahead and I look forward to continuing to collaborate, ask hard questions respectfully, and contribute wherever I can be helpful.
“I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote in our recent election. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I received throughout this campaign and inspired by the engagement shown by our community.
“While the results were not what I had hoped for, I remain committed to our students, educators, and families. I plan to stay actively involved in the work of strengthening our AB schools, listening to diverse perspectives, and focusing on what unites us – a shared commitment to excellent education!”
From Dennis Burianek: “Thank you to everyone who voted in the election last week and to those who supported my candidacy. I am excited to join the school committee and work with the district to set the direction for AB and help guide the district into the next era.”
Water District Commissioner:
From John Petersen: “Acton’s great strength is the talent and dedication of its volunteers and elected officials. Steve Stuntz is one of those dedicated people who has helped lead the Water District over four decades. I am grateful for his service. Going forward, I hope to build on our increased customer engagement as we work to study our rate setting process and communicate improvements in water supply and quality.”
From Stephen Stuntz: “Dear Voters, Thanks for going to the polls and making democracy work. Although disappointed in the results I know elections are the best way for the community to operate. I hope that John can continue the tradition of the AWD being the best it can be. For me, the 39 years of being a commissioner has been a delight and I have been glad to have been part of the organization. I know Matt Mostoller is a great leader and with consistent support will do an outstanding job. Thanks to all of you for supporting me over the years.”
Compiled by Miriam Lezak, Acton Exchange associate editor and sometimes writer.
