Newton 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

NEWTON, 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 race to watch is the Democratic primary that has seven candidates vying to represent the 4th Congressional District, taking over the seat that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy leaves as he challenges U.S. Sen. Ed Markey.

The marquee race this year everywhere else is between incumbent Markey and Kennedy. 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 or city hall election office. It must be in their hands 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 Ward and Precinct:

What's on the Ballot?

The primary ballot includes races for a spot on the November ballot for senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, senator in general court, and for representative in general court for the tenth Middlesex district.

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.

In the Tenth Middlesex District Newton City Councilor Alison Leary is challenging incumbent Rep. John Lawn Jr. for his seat.

The big race is for the MA 4th Congressional District, there are seven Democrats vying for their name to be on the November ballot, including two Newton city councilors.

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

Read more:

• MA 4th Congressional District: Voter Guide
• Mail-In Ballots Need To Be In By Election Day: MA High Court

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?

Contact Newton Election Commission at (617) 796-1200 or by email at elections@newtonma.gov

Got a tip? Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.