Massachusetts voters are heading to the polls to pick a new U.S. senator.
Democrat Edward Markey and Republican Gabriel Gomez scrambled to energize supporters and mobilize get-out-the-vote efforts in the hours leading up to today's special election to succeed John Kerry, who resigned to become U.S. secretary of state.
The candidates wrapped up a busy last day of campaigning by holding rallies — Gomez with former Sen. Scott Brown in Quincy and Markey in his hometown of Malden.
Massachusetts state Secretary William Galvin said he expects turnout to be relatively light, with no more than 1.6 million of the state's 4.3 million registered voters casting ballots.
Gomez was scheduled to vote early Tuesday in his hometown of Cohasset, with Markey casting his ballot later in the morning in Malden.
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
