Officials share voting day procedures for Special Election

Town Manager Austin Faison and Acting Town Clerk Joanne M. DeMato wish to provide residents with information regarding the state special election scheduled for March.

The special election to fill the seat of State Rep. Robert DeLeo has been set for Tuesday, March 30. The primary election will be held Tuesday, March 2.

Polling locations will be as follows:

•       Precincts 1, 2, and 5: Former Winthrop Middle School Gym, 151 Pauline St. Voters should enter adjacent to Eruzione Skating Rink Door.

•       Precinct 4: John D. O’Connell Hall, 9 Golden Drive.

•       Precincts 3, 6: Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St.

Residents are reminded that some polling locations have been temporarily changed for this primary and election only.

Those voting on election day should be aware of the following requirements and suggestions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

•       All voters will be required to wear a face mask or covering.

•       Bring a black or blue ink permanent marker or felt tip pen if you do not wish to borrow one.

•       Bring a clipboard or book to use when marking your ballot if you do not wish to make contact with the voting booth.

•       Avoiding touching your face while at the polling location.

•       Practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet of physical distance from anyone not from your household.

•       Keep your ballot dry and free from hand sanitizers to ensure to avoid tabulator issues.

Early voting will not be available for this special election, but voters may vote by mail. Those who wish to vote this way are encouraged to apply for a mail-in ballot as soon as possible.

Applications can be downloaded from the state’s website here, and can be returned:

•       By mail to: Town Clerk, One Metcalf Square, Room 5, Winthrop, MA 02152

•       Via the drop box labeled “Winthrop Town Clerk Election Business” located outside of the town offices, adjacent to the parking lot of Town Hall

•       By email to jdemato@town.winthrop.ma.us

For the primary election, a voter who is not registered for a political party must specify the party ballot choice on their vote-by-mail or in-person voting application. Unenrolled or independent voters who select a party ballot type do not become registered in that party and will remain unenrolled/independent voters. Voters who are registered as a democrat or republican MUST take that party ballot and will not be given a choice of ballot type. Residents can verify your party enrollment or change your party enrollment prior to the deadline to register to vote and before applying for a mail in ballot.

Mail in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on March 2 for the primary and by 8 p.m. on March 30 for the election in order to be counted. Mail in ballots can either be returned by mail or via the drop box outside town hall. Mail-in ballots cannot be returned to polling locations on election.

Voters who receive a mail-in ballot, but do not return it prior to the deadline may vote in person.

Over the Counter Absentee voting will be available by appointment-only. Please call 617-846-1742 to make an appointment during regular work hours to vote Absentee “Over the Counter”.

More information about the special election can be found here. Questions regarding the special election can be directed to the Winthrop Town Clerk’s Office at 617-846-1742.