Salem Voters Head to Polls Tuesday for State Primary

DATELINE — SALEM — Salem voters head to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 state primary, choosing party candidates ahead of November's general election, a contest that includes a closely watched U.S. Senate Democratic race. Mayor Dominick Pangallo also announced Monday that Salem residents will get free admission to two Zoo New England parks throughout September.

TOWN HALL Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced that Salem residents of all ages will receive free admission to Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo throughout September, an annual Salem Days tradition funded by the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust, according to a City of Salem News Flash posted Monday. Residents can visit either Zoo New England location at any point during the month at no cost.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "Salem MA Primary 2026 Voter Guide: Where To Vote, Races, Candidates": Salem voters head to the polls Tuesday to pick party candidates for the November election, per Salem Patch. The guide lays out polling locations and the local races on the ballot (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-ma-primary-2026-voter-guide-where-vote-races-candidates).

"MA State Primary 2026 Voter Guide: Races, Poll Times, How To Vote": The primary's marquee contest is a U.S. Senate Democratic clash between Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Seth Moulton, Salem Patch reports, a race that will shape the top of November's statewide ballot for Salem voters too (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).

COMING UP Community members are invited to the rededication and unveiling of President George Washington's Lansdowne Portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. Salem Patch's event calendar also lists "ABRAXAS: New England's Premier Santana Tribute" for Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.