Vote Early Boston 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
I hope this finds you well and staying safe.
In a 2013 Washington Post opinion piece, our beloved and infamous Congressman John Lewis said it best: The right to vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy. I risked my life defending that right. Some died in the struggle. If we are ever to actualize the true meaning of equality, effective measures such as the Voting Rights Act are still a necessary requirement of democracy.
His powerful words remain true today now more than ever. As do the words of female suffragists who fought over the course of multiple generations for the right to become enfranchised.
To honor all those who spilled their own blood to pave the way so others could cast a ballot, PLEASE MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE! Our democracy depends on it.
Warmly,
Liz Malia
State Representative, 11th Suffolk
Voter Registration Deadlines
9/1 State Primary: August 22, 2020 @ 8pm
11/3 State Election: October 24, 2020 @ 8pm
Not sure if you’re registered?
Check here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
How to register?
Individuals can register to vote either in person at the Election Department in City Hall in room 241, by mail, online or through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible to vote, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
New Voting Options in MA
To keep you and our communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state legislature passed and the governor signed into law a package that allows for additional voting options.
1. EARLY VOTING (BY-MAIL)
Deadlines for applications to request a vote-by-mail ballot:
9/1 State Primary: August 26, 2020
11/3 State Election: October 24, 2020
TIP: If you're going to do it by mail, do it early/ASAP to allow for enough time for USPS to process.
All registered voters should have received a vote-by-mail application in their mail boxes during the week of July 20, 2020. The application is in a postcard format.
To receive a ballot, voters must first complete, sign and return the prepaid postcard application to the Election Department by August 26, 2020 for the State Primary. Voters may request a ballot using the vote-by-mail application for the September 1, 2020 State Primary, November 3, 2020 State Election or all 2020 elections. Voters may also request ballots in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Voters can track their ballots here. If a voter has not received or lost this application, they can request a new ballot application by completing this form here and sending it to the City of Boston's Election Department, via mail, email, or fax:
1 City Hall Square, Room 241
Boston, MA 02201
Email: absenteevoter@boston.gov
Fax: 617-635-4483
Voters may return their ballot by mail using the prepaid envelope, at an early voting location (during the early voting period), or using the Election Department dropbox located on the third floor of Boston City Hall. City Hall is currently open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm. The dropbox will be accessible Monday through Friday.
Absentee voting in person is available until August 31, 2020 at 12pm at the Elections Department in City Hall. To qualify to vote absentee, registered voters must be absent from the City on Election Day, must have a religious belief which prevents them from going inside of a polling location, or have a physical disability which prevents them from going to a polling location. The application to request an absentee ballot can be completed by mail or in person at the Election Department in City Hall. Learn more about applying here.
You can request an absentee ballot for yourself, or have a family member request an absentee ballot for you.
Absentee Voting Deadlines
9/1 State Primary: August 31, 2020 @ 12pm
11/3 State Election: November 2, 2020 @ 12pm
2. EARLY VOTING (IN PERSON)
For convenience and to reduce crowding, early voting will be available in the City of Boston. To vote early, you must be a registered Boston voter. Any registered Boston voter can vote at any early voting location. You don’t need an excuse or reason to vote early.
Not sure where to vote early in the primary?
Find the hours and location that fits your schedule here.
Early Voting Schedules
Primaries: Saturday, August 22 thru Friday August 28 @ 5pm
General Election: Saturday, October 17 thru Friday, October 30
3. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY (IN PERSON)
Voters may still cast their primary ballots at the polls.
The City of Boston Election Department announced polling location changes for 20 precincts ahead of the September 1 State Primary.
Additionally, there are 5 voter entrance changes.
For more information on how to participate in this year's elections, please visit boston.gov/election.
