Andover 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

ANDOVER, MA — From the pandemic to the twists and turns of the U.S. Senate race, the 2020 September primary is going to be yet another interesting election in Massachusetts.

The marquee race this year is between incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who currently represents the Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District in the House. Businessman Kevin J. O’Connor and entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai are facing off in the Republican primary.

Markey, 74, has said he will continue to work for passage of the Green New Deal and Medicare for all. Kennedy, 39, has also listed Medicare for all and addressing climate change as two of his top issues.

But voters in Andover will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in more local races, too.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton faces two Democratic primary challengers, Angus McQuilken and Jamie Belsito.

State Rep. Frank Moran is getting a Democratic primary challenge too, from fellow Lawrence resident Marienela Rivera. State Rep. Tram Nguyen will see a general election contest, against the winner of the Republican primary contest between Jeff Dufour and Shishan Wang.

Another factor in the election is, of course, the pandemic. Early voting is happening through Aug. 28, but anyone in Massachusetts can vote absentee by mail this year — although uncertainty about the U.S. Postal Service has some voters nervous about that option.

How to vote early in person:

All Andover voters can vote early at the Andover High School Richard J. Collins Field House at 80 Shawsheen Road.

Aug. 22 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 23 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 24 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 27 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How to vote by mail:

All voters are also eligible to vote by mail, this year, but you must apply by Aug. 26. You should've received an application from the Secretary of State's office. If not, you can download an application online and send it to the town clerk by mail, email or using the town drop box.

You can mail your ballot to the Town Clerk's Office, 36 Bartlet Street, Andover, MA 01810, or drop it in the town’s secure drop box located at 36 Bartlet Street. Mail-in ballots must be received by Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

How to vote in person on election day:

In-person voting on Sept. 1 will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Precincts 1 and 3: Youth Center at 40 Whittier Court
• Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Wood Hill Middle School at 11 Cross Street
• 2, 7, 7A, 8 and 9: Andover High School Richard J. Collins Field House at 80 Shawsheen Road

Who's on the ballot

For Democrats, the Kennedy-Markey race is at the top of the ticket, followed by either U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, who is running unopposed, or U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who is facing a two challengers.

Depending on which precinct they live in, voters will see slightly different ballots. Incumbents are in bold and only contested races are shown below.

Democratic ballots

Precincts 1, 7A and 8 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate: Ed Markey, Rep. Joe Kennedy III
• U.S. House 6th District: Seth Moulton, Jamie Belsito, Angus McQuilken

Precincts 2, 3 and 4 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate: Ed Markey, Joe Kennedy III
• State House 17th Essex District: Frank Moran, Marianela Rivera

Precincts 5, 6, 7 and 9 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate: Ed Markey, Joe Kennedy III

Republican ballots

Precincts 1, 7A and 8 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate — Shiya Ayyadurai, Kevin O'Connor
• State House 18th Essex District: Jeffrey Dufour, Shishan Wang

Precincts 2, 3 and 4 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate — Shiya Ayyadurai, Kevin O'Connor

Precincts 5, 6, 7 and 9 (Sample Ballot)

• U.S. Senate — Shiya Ayyadurai, Kevin O'Connor
• State House 18th Essex District: Jeffrey Dufour, Shishan Wang

The Green-Rainbow and Libertarian parties do not have any candidates on the ballot in Andover.