Early voting is underway: your guide to the September 1 primary
(3-4 minute read)
Early voting began yesterday ahead of Massachusetts’ September 1, 2026, State Primary, and this year, several races that matter most to Reading voters will effectively be decided at the primary rather than in November. Below you’ll find debate footage and coverage for the top statewide and district races on your ballot, links to full candidate information, and everything you need to vote early or on Election Day.
Key takeaways
The State Senate seat for the 5th Middlesex District has no Republican candidate running in November - whoever wins the crowded September 1 Democratic primary is very likely to hold the seat outright. The U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative races will each go on to a November contest.
Turnout in past September state primaries has been low, as low as 18% in 2024, meaning a relatively small share of voters could decide who represents Reading for years to come.
Below you’ll find debate footage for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative, and State Senate races, plus links to the sample ballot, full candidate profiles, and a quiz to help you find your match on the issues.
Why this primary matters more than usual
In a presidential election year, the real contest happens in November. This year, that’s not the case for every race on Reading’s ballot. Both the U.S. Senate and 6th Congressional District primaries will be followed by a general election: Senator Ed Markey faces a competitive Democratic primary against Congressman Seth Moulton, with the winner facing Republican John Deaton in November.
Contested primary races
U.S. Senator
Senator Ed Markey is facing a competitive Democratic primary challenge from Congressman Seth Moulton in the September 1 primary. There is a Republican challenger, John Deaton, currently on the ballot for November.
U.S. Representative (6th Congressional District)
With Rep. Moulton vacating the seat to run for Senate, the 6th district is open for the first time in over a decade, drawing a crowded Democratic primary field. The Democratic primary winner will face Republican nominee Micah Q. Jones in November.
State Senator (5th Middlesex District)
Senator Jason Lewis’s decision not to seek re-election after more than a decade in office has opened up the 5th Middlesex seat, which covers Reading, Malden, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, and part of Winchester. Three Democratic candidates are competing, and no Republican is currently on the ballot for November.
Before you vote
Visit The Reading Observer’s election info page to see voting information and meet the candidates in every race on your ballot, and the voter information page for details on how to vote and what precinct you live in. You can also review the 2026 State Primary sample ballot to see exactly what will appear on your ballot, and if you’re not sure where you land on the issues, take the ISideWith 2026 election quiz to see which candidates and parties you most align with.
Why every vote counts more in a primary
Turnout in Reading’s past September state primaries has consistently trailed turnout in November general elections: 18.0% in 2024, 25.3% in 2022, 50.2% in 2020, and 24.2% in 2018. With turnout this low, a relatively small number of voters end up deciding races that, this year especially, may not be revisited in November at all.
