Local State Special Election is March 3rd

The State Special Election to fill the 1st Middlesex District vacancy will be held this coming Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. This article includes the sample ballot, polling place information for Dracuteers, information for voters, and a list of information or resources to learn about the candidates that will be on the ballot.

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

There are three candidates on the ballot for First Middlesex voters to consider for our district's state senator: Vanna Howard (Democratic candidate) who won the special election primary; Sam Meas (Republican candidate) who advanced to the ballot with a successful write-in campaign for the Republican special election primary; and Joe Espinola (Unregistered Independent candidate).

Information regarding these candidates is listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot. We have included basic candidate information from the nonprofit digital encyclopedia of American politics, Ballotpedia, alongside a link to each candidate's personal campaign website.

Vanna Howard

Ballotpedia Entry: Vanna Howard

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]

Vanna Howard for State Senate | Democrat for the Massachusetts First Middlesex District

Support Vanna Howard for State Senate. Learn about her community work, policies, and how she’s fighting for our district’s future. Vote February 3, 2026.

Vanna Howard for State Senate

Sam Meas

Ballotpedia Entry: Sam Meas

Sam Meas (Republican 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 general election on March 3, 2026. He advanced as a write-in from the special Republican primary on February 3, 2026.

Sam Meas for State Senate | Republican Candidate - MA Special Election 2026

Vote Sam Meas for State Senate. Cambodian refugee, successful businessman, and Republican candidate fighting for Massachusetts families. Primary Feb 3, General March 3, 2026.

Sam Meas for State SenateSam Meas Campaign

Joe Espinola

Ballotpedia Entry: Joe Espinola

Joseph Espinola III (unenrolled) 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 general election on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Joe Espinola For State Senate | Joe Espinola for Massachusetts State Senate | Dracut, MA, USA

Joe4Change — Joe Espinola for Massachusetts State Senate, serving Dracut, Lowell, Tyngsborough, Dunstable, and Pepperell with real leadership and accountable change.

Joe4Change

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."

The state special election held across the 1st Middlesex District of Massachusetts will be this coming Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026!

A big thank you to all the volunteer & poll workers across Dracut, Lowell, Pepperell, Tyngsborough, and Dunstable who make this and all local elections possible!

For info on your voting rights in the Commonwealth:
Protecting Your Right to Vote–Mass.gov