Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to vote early and in Winthrop the idea has panned out well.
At the close of polls on Monday, the first day to vote early, over 70 people had come to Town Hall to cast their votes. All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day, Nov. 6, if they choose.
Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early.
Town Clerk Carla Vitale said they have registered 343 new voters from Sept. 1-Oct. 17. She said while the idea of early voting is good; not having enough staff is not.
Early voting continues through Nov. 2. 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 who 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.
Early voting can be done in person or by mail. In Winthrop, early voting can be done in person at Winthrop Town Hall during the following dates and times thru Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Note that there are hours for Friday and Saturday.
10/26/18                   9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10/27/18                   10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
10/29/18                   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
10/30/18                   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
10/31/18                   8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
11/01/18                   8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
11/02/18                  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.