Marblehead 2020 Primary Election Guide: Races, How To Vote

MARBLEHEAD, 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. The reason why Kennedy wants to unseat a progressive who's been in Congress for 40-plus years is a little unclear, depending on how close you are to Hyannis Port.

But Democratic voters on the North Shore have another important race to consider: Rep. Seth Moulton is facing two primary challengers: Jamie Zahlaway Belsito and Angus McQuilken, both of Topsfield.

Previously on Patch:

• Moulton Has Upper Hand In Fundraising Ahead Of Primary
• Challengers Attack Moulton's Record With Pelosi In Second Debate
• Moulton: Rift With Pelosi In Past

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.

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.

Vote By Mail

If you are voting by mail, your ballot needs to be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed for Tuesday's primary. If you requested a mail-in ballot and have not received it yet, you can track your ballot on the Secretary of State's Website.

Marblehead voters who request mail-in ballots can return their completed ballots to the Red mail box at Abbot Hall. They can also bring completed ballots to the town clerk’s office or mail them using the postage paid envelope.

Early Voting

Early voting runs from Aug. 22 through Aug. 28. All early voting takes place at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street Auditorium.

Early voting hours are:

• Saturday, Aug. 22: Noon – 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 24: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 89:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
• Thursday, Aug. 27: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
• Friday, Aug. 28: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

In-Person Voting

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

Polling locations have been changed for this year to allow for more social distancing:

• Precinct 1 & 2: Vote at Village Middle School Gym, 92 Village St.
• Precincts 3, 4, 5 & 6: Vote at High School Field House, 2 Humphrey St.

Dave Copeland covers the North Shore for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).