Woburn 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

WOBURN, 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.

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 Woburn voters can vote early at the Old Wyman School at 679 Main Street. Voters should enter through the main doors on Newbury Street and are asked to wear a mask.

Aug. 22 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Aug. 23 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Aug. 24 — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 27 — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 — 9 a.m. to 1 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 already received an application from the Secretary of State's office. If not, you can download an application online. It can be dropped of at the Office of the City Clerk, deposited in the drop box at City Hall or emailed to ballot@woburnma.gov.

You can mail your ballot to the City Clerk's Office, 10 Common St., Woburn, MA 01801, drop it in the secure drop box at city hall, or deliver it in person at the City Clerk's office. 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.

• Ward 1: Joyce Middle School, 55 Locust St.
• Ward 2: Shamrock Elementary, 60 Green St.
• Ward 3: Hurld-Wyman Elementary, 39 Wyman St.,
• Ward 4, Precinct 1: former Wyman School, 679 Main St at Eaton Ave.
• Ward 4, Precinct 2: White Elementary, 36 Bow St.,
• Ward 5: Goodyear Elementary, 41 Central St.
• Ward 6: Altavesta Elementary, 990 Main St.,
• Ward 7: Reeves Elementary, 240 Lexington St.

Who's on the ballot

For Democrats, the Kennedy-Markey race is at the top of the ticket.

Republicans will pick between businessman Kevin J. O'Connor and entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai in the U.S. Senate primary.