North Andover 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

NORTH 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 some voters in North 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, while Shishan Wang and Jeffrey Dufour are facing off in the 18th Essex District Republican primary to face state Rep. Tram Nguyen in November.

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 North Andover voters can vote early at the North Andover Middle School Cafeteria, 495 Main Street.

Aug. 22 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 23 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 24 — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Aug. 26 — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 27 — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 — 8:30 a.m. to noon

How to vote by mail:

All voters are also eligible to vote by mail, this year, but applications are due 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 submit it in the drop-box located in front of North Andover Town Hall by 5 p.m. or email it to vote@northandoverma.gov.

Ballots are due to the town clerk's office, 120 Main Street, North Andover MA 01845, by 8 p.m. on election day, Sept. 1.

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 North Andover voters vote at the North Andover High School Field House, 430 Osgood St.

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 U.S. Senate primary.

Republican voters in precincts 6 to 8 will also vote in the state house 18th Essex District primary between Jeffrey Dufour and Shishan Wang.

Sample ballots:

• Precincts 1-4
• Precinct 5
• Precincts 6-8