Vote By Mail Bill Progresses

Tuesday, July 1, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of the conference committee report that was agreed to by the House and the Senate on voting options for our fall elections.

STATE PRIMARY – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

  • EARLY VOTING BY MAIL: All registered voters will be mailed an absentee ballot request form by July 15. Form will be preprinted with local election official address and no additional postage required;
  • EARLY VOTING IN PERSON: Saturday, August 22 thru Friday, August 28;
  • ELECTION DAY VOTING – Regular polling hours with social distancing/cleaning protocols and streamlined check out procedures.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

  • EARLY VOTING BY MAIL: All registered voters will be mailed an absentee ballot request form by September 14. Form will be preprinted with local election official address and no additional postage required;
  • EARLY VOTING IN PERSON: Saturday, October 17 thru Friday, October 30;
  • ELECTION DAY VOTING – Regular polling hours with social distancing/cleaning protocols and streamlined check out procedures.

The Secretary of State will also set up an online portal no later than October 1, to allow registered voters to request their absentee ballot in lieu of mailing paper form.
A voter who casts their ballot via mail or early voting will be marked as “EV” on voting list.
There are additional provisions allowing town clerks to process (though not tally) early votes as they come in. It also includes a provision to ensure that any necessary changes to polling locations are made at least 20 days prior to election so there is no additional confusion about where to vote, as has happened in other states.

A mailed ballot properly postmarked by Election Day will be counted if received by November 6, 2020