Early voting takes place August 24th – August 30th
BOSTON – Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Primaries will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The State Primaries determine the candidates who will represent each political party in the State Election on November 5. Voters can update their voting status including party affiliation, new address, or name change until August 24 here. Early voting begins Saturday, August 24, running through August 30 at sites around the City.
Voter Registration
The voter registration deadline for the State Primary is Saturday, August 24, 2024. Registration forms must be postmarked by August 24, 2024. Voters can register in person at the Boston Election Department, located in City Hall Room 241, by 5 p.m. or register online here by 11:59 p.m.
In-Person Early Voting
In-person early voting begins Saturday, August 24 and runs through Friday, August 30. City Hall is Boston’s primary early voting site, with voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Voters are encouraged to enter City Hall through the Hanover Street entrance to access the early voting location on the second floor, Haymarket Room.
Neighborhood early voting locations will be available throughout the city on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 29. For a full list of early voting locations click here.
All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check in. Early voting locations will be well staffed with poll workers and interpreters. All sites are fully accessible to voters with disabilities.
Vote-By-Mail
Voters may also choose to vote early by mail. Applications to request a vote-by-mail ballot must be received by Monday, August 26 at 5 p.m.
Vote-by-mail ballots may be returned using one of 23 drop boxes located throughout the City; in person at the Boston Election Department located at City Hall Room 241; at an early voting location during the prescribed hours for voting; or via U.S. Mail.
Voters are asked to return all signed ballot packages, whether using a drop box or the U.S. Mail, in the white postage paid return envelope included with their vote-by-mail ballot. Ballots must reach the Boston Election Department or a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 to be counted. Voters cannot deliver their voted ballots to a polling location on Election Day.
Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots here. If there is no movement indicated in the “Track My Ballot” system, voters should plan to vote in-person on Election Day.
Accessible Voting
The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply here. The deadline to apply for an accessible ballot is Monday, August 26, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Please note: To get access to the electronic ballot, you will need to provide your email address.
Voting On Election Day
Polling locations open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. A list of polling locations can be found here. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish. Chinese and Vietnamese ballots will be available where required. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with visual or hearing impairments.
Polling Location Changes & Unofficial Results
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
