Massachusetts Early Voting Hits 400,000 Ballots Before September Primary

Nearly 400,000 early ballots have been cast in Massachusetts as of August 26, according to Secretary of State Bill Galvin. Early voting began on August 22, with a statewide turnout of 7.6% and a majority of those votes coming from Democratic voters. Galvin noted that while early in-person voting remains an option, its popularity has declined as mail-in voting has increased.

The primary elections on September 1 feature several high-profile contests. In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, incumbent Senator Ed Markey is facing a challenge from Representative Seth Moulton. On the Republican side, John Deaton remains unopposed for the Senate seat. In the gubernatorial race, Governor Maura Healey is uncontested in the Democratic primary, while Republicans Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve are competing for the nomination to challenge her in November.

Other significant races include contested Democratic primaries for several U.S. House seats, including the 6th Congressional District vacated by Moulton. Additionally, the Norfolk District Attorney race is highly contested after Michael Morrissey decided not to seek re-election. Voters are also weighing ballot questions on same-day voter registration and the potential implementation of a nonpartisan primary system for state elections.