Burlington 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

BURLINGTON, 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.

Voters in Burlington will also have the opportunity to cast their ballots in a congressional primary: U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton faces two Democratic primary challengers, Angus McQuilken and Jamie Belsito.

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 Burlington voters can vote early at the Grand View Farm Hall, 55 Center St., Burlington MA.

Aug. 22 — 2 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 23 — 2 to 8 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 7 p.m.
Aug. 27 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How to vote by mail:

All voters are also eligible to vote by mail, this year, but you must apply for your ballot by Aug. 26. You should've already received an application from the Secretary of State's office. If not, you can download an application online and email to vote@burlington.org, send it to Burlington Town Clerk's Office, 29 Center Street, Burlington MA 01803 or drop it in the town’s drop box on the steps of town hall.

You can mail your ballot to the Burlington Town Clerk's Office, 29 Center Street, Burlington MA 01803 is Aug. 26th, or drop it in the town’s drop box on the steps of town hall and 29 Center 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. All precincts vote at Burlington High School, 123 Cambridge St., in the gyms at the back of the school.

Who's on the ballot

For Democrats, the Kennedy-Markey race is at the top of the ticket, followed by the U.S. House 6th District Democratic primary, with incumbent Seth Moulton facing Jamie Belsito and Angus McQuilken.

Republicans will pick between businessman Kevin J. O’Connor and entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai in the senate primary. There are no other contested races in Burlingon.

Sample ballots

• Democratic
• Republican
• Libertarian
• Green-Rainbow