Attention, Local Voters: State Special Primary Election this Tuesday 2/3/26!
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 will host a special primary election for the registered voters of the 1st Middlesex District of Massachusetts.
Due to the vacancy left after State Senator Ed Kennedy's passing last autumn, there will be a special primary election held across the 1st Middlesex District of Massachusetts this coming Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. This district is composed of the City of Lowell and the towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell, and Tyngsborough.
Local elections are the lifeblood of our communities. Do your best to show up and make your voice heard through the democratic process!
Election Day in Dracut––Polls Open 7AM to 8PM
- Precincts 1, 5, & 6A: Senior Center, 951 Mammoth Rd
- Precincts 4 & 8: M.G. Parker Memorial Library, 28 Arlington St
- Precincts 2, 3, 6, 7, & 9: Richardson Middle School, 1570 Lakeview Ave
Not sure where to go? Check here --> Street & Precinct Map for Dracut Residents
The Candidates
The two candidates on the ballot (listed alphabetically and presented in the same order on this blog post) are Rodney Michael Elliott and Vanna Howard. Below, we've provided a link to the Ballotpedia entries for both individuals, each of which offers a short biography, committee assignments, and sponsored legislation that the candidate has been involved with. Following this is a link to the personal campaign websites run by the campaigning state senate candidates and their staff. Lastly, there is a linked Youtube video to a debate conducted by Inside Lowell on January 19th, 2026 for Elliott and Howard to answer questions and discuss matters concerning this district of the Commonwealth.
We here at Rainbow Dracuteers believe an informed voter base is a healthy voter base. We encourage all registered voters in the First Middlesex District to become familiar with each candidate's legislative history, political philosophies, and campaign priorities before getting to the ballot box so that you can vote for the candidate that best aligns with your values and concerns as a constituent. Our blog post is meant solely to provide the resources others need to research the candidates themselves.
Rodney Michael Elliott
Ballotpedia Entry: Rodney Elliott
Ballotpedia Entry & Short Bio:
Rodney Elliott (Democratic Party) is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 16th Middlesex District. He assumed office on January 4, 2023. His current term ends on January 6, 2027. Elliott (Democratic Party) is running in a special election to the Massachusetts State Senate to represent the 1st Middlesex District. He is on the ballot in the special Democratic primary on February 3, 2026.[source]
Rodney Elliott earned a B.S. in public administration from Plymouth State University in 1982, an M.P.A. from Suffolk University in 1989, and an M.A. in political science and government from The Catholic University of America in 1994. Elliott's career experience includes working as an assistant director of the north region of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and a congressional liaison and contract officer with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. He served as the mayor of the City of Lowell, Massachusetts.[1]
Committee to elect Rodney Elliott
Vanna Howard
Ballotpedia Entry: Vanna Howard
Ballotpedia Entry & Short Bio:
Vanna Howard (Democratic Party) is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 17th Middlesex District. She assumed office on January 6, 2021. Her current term ends on January 6, 2027. Howard (Democratic Party) is running in a special election to the Massachusetts State Senate to represent the 1st Middlesex District. She is on the ballot in the special Democratic primary on February 3, 2026.[source]
Vanna Howard's career experience includes working as the chief of external and government relations with the Lowell Community Health Center, the Greater Lowell regional director with former U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, and with the Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorney's Offices. Howard is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, the Lowell Housing Authority, and the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association.[1]
Daily Pulse: January 19, 2026––1st Middlesex State Senate District Democratic Debate from InsideLowell Youtube Page
An Act aligning the commonwealth's transportation plans with its mandates and goals for reducing emissions and vehicle miles traveled. CLICK HERE to read the bill's text in your web browser, print it, or download it as a PDF. Recent coverage regarding this bill done by outlets of local journalism include: Boston 25 News, Spectrum News, Worcester Telegram, Boston Herald, & New Bedford Guide.
There has been some contention between the candidates regarding support for this bill & what the bill's proposal will mean for 1st Middlesex District constituents. You may read Vanna Howard's statement regarding alleged misinformation from a mailer sponsored by Rodney Elliott at the bottom of her Policies web page HERE.
Peter Currier
According to the Massachusetts State Secretary website, "[y]ou may need to show identification when you check-in at your polling place if:
- You are voting for the first time in Massachusetts
- You’re on the inactive voter list
- You're casting a provisional or challenged ballot
- The poll worker has a practical and legal reason to ask for identification
Identification needs to show your name and the address where you are registered to vote. Examples of acceptable identification are:
- A driver's license
- A state ID card
- A recent utility bill
- A rent receipt or lease.
- A copy of a voter registration affidavit
- A letter from a school dormitory or housing office
- Any other printed identification which contains your name and address
If you need to show identification because you’re voting for the first time and you don’t have identification with you, you can cast a provisional ballot. If you return with identification before the polls close, your ballot will be counted.
If you need to show identification for any other reason and you’re not able to do so, you can cast a challenged ballot. Your name and address, the challenger’s name and address, and the reason for the challenge will be written on your ballot. Your ballot will be cast as normal and only examined if there is a recount, court order, or audit."
Once the primary's candidate is chosen, the State Special Primary Election will be held Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.
A big thanks to all the incredible poll workers & volunteers who make local elections possible!
Final reminder to all Lowellians, Dracuteers, Tyngsborough townies, Pepperellites, & Dunstablians:
The special primary election held across the 1st Middlesex District of Massachusetts will be this coming Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026!
For info on your voting rights in the Commonwealth:
Protecting Your Right to Vote–Mass.gov
