Beachgoers Exposed to Democracy in Ipswich; Upcoming Ballot Series
Photo: Ipswich Dems’ Rally for Democracy, Saturday.
We’re still on a break until August but the North Shore is busy.
By Christian Schoenberg. July 26, 2026.
Ipswich’s 75th Rally for Democracy
The amazing Ipswich Dems are still going strong with their weekly Rallies for Democracy. True, there were fewer people than a regular Rally for Democracy, according to local Dems chair David Russell, but to my eye it was still pretty crowded along the sides. (I counted some 100 rally-goers! And they call that a slow day… Balmy temperatures, the soft breeze, and a perfect sun might have been too easy for the locals; they need temperatures in the single digits and snow to demostrate their grit, even as they looked pretty gritty to me.)
The sound from the many beachgoers’ car horns heading to the Crane’s Beach up through the Middle Green was deafening, the signholders boisterous and, as always, the signs imaginative.
If you haven’t gone yet, it’s a great opportunity to talk to like-minded democracy-lovers, and to meet local candidates and elected representatives who often make an appearance. For example, Kristin Kassner, State Rep for 2nd Essex, had a table on Middle Green, while I ran into Zillie Bhuju and Jamie Belsito, candidate for Seth Moulton’s Sixth District seat outside Zillie’s Ipswich ZUMI'S on the main drag.
The Ipswich rallies take place every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.
Ballot Initiatives
Starting in August, we’ll focus on an aspect of the upcoming elections that has received less attention than our Sixth District election and local State House races: the nine legislative initiatives that have been certified to be on the ballot in November.
We’ve asked some of our subscribers to write brief overviews of the various measures. Each initiative description will be accompanied by the author’s recommendation and a brief survey to gauge where our subscribers stand on each issue. Stay tuned!
The nine ballot initiatives are:
Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 9: Firearms Regulation
BoxfordDems Committee member and legislative aide to State House Representative Kristin Kassner (2nd Essex), Christina Eckert, has kicked off the series with a brief overview of the ballot-initiative process.
Comment Section
In August, we will also have a Newsletter Comments section where readers can comment on articles and submit letters to the editors.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at christian@boxforddems.org or Terri at terri@boxforddems.org.
Christian Schoenberg, Chair
Boxford Democratic Town Committee
chair@boxforddems.org
P.S.: The BoxfordDems do not endorse primary candidates, but we’re more than happy to publish event details from candidates! Please reach out to us at chair@boxforddems.org with text and artwork.
This week’s issue
“Beachgoers Exposed to Democracy in Ipswich; Upcoming Ballot Series”
Ballot Initiatives 2026
Get Involved Initiatives
Drinks with Dems: Meet fellow Tri-Town Dems at Alfalfa Farm Cellars
Join our door-hanger initiative - get your neighbors involved!
We’re getting out the Boxford vote with Blue Rides
Other great opportunities to get involved - nationwide
Campaigns
Volunteer with Tram’s Campaign
