Chelmsford 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

CHELMSFORD, MA — From the normal twists and turns of any election season to the reported issues with the U.S. postal service and the pandemic, the 2020 September primary is shaping up to be 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. Kennedy has been criticized for wanting to unseat a progressive who's been largely seen as doing a good job in Congress for some 40 decades. While others have supported the possible change.

A major factor in the election is, of course, the pandemic. Early voting ends Aug. 28, but anyone in Massachusetts could vote absentee by mail this year — although uncertainty about the U.S. Postal Service has some voters nervous about that option. A Newton City Councilor filed a lawsuit asking the Secretary of the Commonwealth extend the deadline for ballots to be counted, but that was shot down by the MA High Court.

How to vote in town:

You can check your voting status on the Secretary of State's website. You can also use the website to find your polling place. If you missed the deadline to register to vote, make sure you register for future elections.

If you requested a mailed ballot in but haven't gotten it yet, here's how to track it. You have until Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. to get that ballot to your town hall. It must be in the ballot drop off box at that time, not post marked by that time.

Polling hours on Sept. 1, election day, run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polling locations are determined by precinct and are in one of three locations:

• Precinct 1 — McCarthy Middle School Large Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 2 — Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd
• Precinct 3 —Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd
• Precinct 4 — McCarthy Middle School Large Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 5 — McCarthy Middle School Large Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 6— McCarthy Middle School Large Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 7 — McCarthy Middle School Small Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 8 — McCarthy Middle School Small Gym, 250 North Rd
• Precinct 9 — McCarthy Middle School Large Gym, 250 North Rd

What's on the ballot?

Democratic primary ballot includes races for a spot on the November ballot for senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, senator in general court.

Sen. Edward Markey is vying to keep his seat in Congress, as Rep. Joe Kennedy III challenges him in what has been a close race.

No one is challenging Third Middlesex District Sen. Michael J. Barrett for his seat on the Democratic ticket.

The Republican primary includes a race for a spot on the November ballot as the Republican contender for senator in Congress. Shiva Ayyadurai, of Belmont, and Kevin J O'Connor, of Dover, are vying for their names to be on the ticket to race against either Kennedy or Markey.
In the Fifth District, no one is challenging Caroline Colarusso to represent the Republicans in the Fifth District for a spot on the November election ballot.

Neither the Green Rainbow nor the Libertarian parties have candidates running in the primary.

Tips for voters:

• Face masks are required while inside the polling location.
• Make sure to keep 6- foot from another person inside the polling location.
• Clothing that advertises a campaign is not permitted at the polling location: This includes on face masks as well as hats, shirts, buttons.
• Campaign activity, or sign holding is not permitted within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location.

Questions?

If you have any questions, you can call the Town Clerk office at 978-250-5205

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