Time to vote: Tuesday, Sept. 16 is statewide primary

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September 11, 2008

The Massachusetts State Primary will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As customary, there is a change in precinct polling places in Andover for fall elections. Andover residents in precincts 1, 7 and 8 will vote at the Senior Citizen Center on Whittier Court. Precincts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 will vote at the Collins Field House at Andover High School on Shawsheen Road.

There are two contested races on the Democratic ballot. For U.S. Senator in Congress former presidential candidate, John F. Kerry faces a primary battle from fellow Democrat Edward J., O'Reilly, of Gloucester.

Jeffrey K. Beatty, of Harwich, is the lone Republican for U.S. Senate on that primary ballot.

The only other primary race is also on the Democratic ballot, for Fifth District Councilor. The choice is between Mary-Ellen Manning, of Salem, and Timothy P. Houten, of Middleton.

Democrats U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, State Sen. Susan Tucker, State Rep. Barry Finegold and Registrar of Probate Pamela Casey O'Brien will run unopposed both in the primary and in the general election in November.

State Rep. Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover) does not face a primary challenge, but will have to face Republican Lawrence Brennan,of Georgetown, in the general election in November.

This election will be a four party primary: Democratic Party, Republican Party, Green-Rainbow and the Working Families Party. Registered voters that are not enrolled in a party at the time of the election will vote by choosing a party at the polls.

Residents who have changed their residence or who did not reply to the 2008 annual town census are encouraged to call the town clerk's office and verify their voting status at 978-623-8255. Voters who changed their address in town must notify the town clerk's office in writing to vote at the new address.

School is in session during the polling hours and voters should plan on some traffic delays during the start and end of the school day.