Braintree Primary Election 2020: Voter Guide

BRAINTREE, 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. The reason why Kennedy wants to unseat a progressive who's been in Congress for 40-plus years is a little unclear, depending on how close you are to Hyannis Port.

Also read:

• MA Senate Debate Turns Nasty As Markey, Kennedy Spar
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But Democratic voters have three others important local races to decide on too.

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch will face off in a primary against challenger Robbie Goldstein to try to retain his seat in Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District.

There are also two contested races at the state level. State Sen.Walter Timilty is among two Democrats vying for the senate seat in the Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth District. Timilty, a three-year veteran of the State Senate, faces a primary opponent in Jarred Rose.

The 5th Norfolk District, which covers Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph, also has two Democrats running: incumbent Mark Cusack and challenger Paul Hennessy.

How to vote early in Braintree

All early in-person voting will happen at the Braintree Town Hall, during these hours through Aug. 28:

• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 27: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 28: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

But you can vote by mail at any point up until Sept. 1. You should've already received an application from the Secretary of State's office. If not, you can apply online, but the deadline is Aug. 26. If you don't want to vote by mail, you can drop your ballot off at Town Hall.
In-person voting on Sept. 1 will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who's on the ballot

For Democrats, the Kennedy-Markey race is at the top of the ticket. Depending on which state House district you live in, Democrats will see slightly different ballots.