All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on October 24th and continue through November 3rd , 2016. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.
Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. If you need to register to vote, you may do it online by visiting: www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. All you need is a license or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the November 8th State Election, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by October 19th, 2016.
Early voting can be done in person or by mail. In Winthrop, early voting can be done in person at Winthrop Town Hall, Front Hall during the following dates and times Oct.24th thru Nov. 3rd from 10am to 2pm there will be a volunteer available to assist with Early Voting. Otherwise during normal business hours the staff in the Town Clerk’s Office will be managing early voting during our regular business at the counter.
Also, registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail. Simply fill out an application and mail it to Winthrop Town Clerk’s Office or do it all online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele
Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.