Early Voting

We are excited to announce that 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 4th, 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. 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 NORTHAMPTON, early voting can be done in person at CITY HALL, 210 MAIN STREET during the following dates and times OCTOBER 24-28 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM.OCTOBER 31st-8:30 AM -8:30 PM AND NOVEMBER 1- 3, 2016, 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM,  and November 4, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM For public convenience, NORTHAMPTON has also decided to offer weekend hours on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016 FROM 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM.

Also, registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail. Simply fill out an application and mail it to: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE, 210 MAIN STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 You can find the application below. 

Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

For the first time in Massachusetts, the first choice all voters will make is which day to vote. Early voting will make the most fundamental right of our citizens more convenient than ever to exercise. We encourage all of our citizens to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on their schedules.