Tewksbury 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

TEWKSBURY, 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 Tewksbury 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.

And Republican voters in precincts 3 and 3A have the opportunity to vote in state house 18th Essex District primary. State Rep. Tram Nguyen will see a general election contest against the winner of the primary 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 Tewksbury voters can vote early at Town Hall, 1009 Main St., Tewksbury, MA

Aug. 22 — 2 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 23 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 24 — 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 — 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 — 7:30 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 applications are due by 5 p.m. 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 by mail to Town Clerk’s Office, 1009 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876, by fax to (978) 851-8610 or by email to townclerk@tewksbury-ma.gov.

Mail-in ballots must be received by Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. They can be submitted in the drop box at the main entrance of town hall, in person at the Town Clerk's office, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mail.

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, 1A: Senior Center, 175 Chandler St.
• Precincts 2, 2A: Recreation Center, 286 Livingston St.
• Precincts 3, 3A: Town Hall, 1009 Main St.
• Precinct 4, 4A: Library, 300 Chandler St.

Who's on the ballot

Sample ballots are available here.

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 3 and 3A will also vote in the state house 18th Essex District primary between Jeffrey Dufour and Shishan Wang.