With the September state primary election closing in, local voters have several options through which they can make their voices heard, even if they can’t make it to their polling place on Election Day, Sept. 3.
In June 2022, former Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill that make mail-in and early voting, both coronavirus pandemic-era options, permanent fixtures in the state’s political landscape.
As a service to its readers, Reminder Publishing compiled information on early in-person voting days, times and locations, as well as information on how they can vote by mail.
Those registered and wishing to participate in early in-person voting hours may do so by simply visiting the polling locations at the dates listed.
All vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the voter’s town clerk’s office by the close of polls on Election Day. Voters who apply for and receive a vote-by-mail ballot should follow all instructions included with the ballot.
Vote-by-mail ballots cannot be returned to the polling place on Election Day and must be returned directly to the clerk’s office or via secure drop box if made available by the municipality. Voters who applied for and received a vote-by-mail ballot and opt not to return it may vote in-person during early voting hours or on Election Day.
Registered voters can also cast an absentee ballot if they will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, have a religious belief that prevents them from voting at their polling location on Election Day or they have a disability that prevents them from voting at their polling location.
The deadline to register to vote in the state primary and/or change party enrollment is Saturday, Aug. 24. In-person registration must be completed by 5 p.m. The online registration deadline is 11:59 p.m.
The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is Monday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m.
Consult your local clerk’s office for more information.
Belchertown
Early in-person voting for registered Belchertown residents will take place in the Town Hall auditorium, 2 Jabish St. on the following dates and times:
- Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday to Friday, Aug. 26-30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The town clerk has a drop box at the rear of Town Hall through which voters can deliver completed vote-by-mail ballots.
Contact the town clerk’s office, 413-323-0281, ext. 340, or clerk@belchertown.org for more information.
Brimfield
In-person early voting in Brimfield will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Aug, 29, 2-7 p.m., in the town clerk’s office at the Annex, 23 Main St.
For more information, call 413-245-4100, ext. 1107, or email townclerk@brimfieldma.org.
Hardwick
Early in-person voting will take place at the Myron E. Richardson Municipal Building, 307 Main St. on the following schedule:
- Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 413-477-6700, or email clerk@townofhardwick.com.
Ludlow
In Ludlow, in-person early voting will take place at the town clerk’s office on the second floor of Town Hall, 488 Chapin St.
The schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 28 and 29, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30, 8 a.m. to noon.
For vote-by-mail, there is a drop box for the town clerk behind Town Hall to the left of the double doors.
For more information, contact to town clerk’s office at 413-583-5600,
Monson
Early in-person voting in Monson at the public meeting room of the Town Office Building, 110 Main St and follows the following schedule:
- Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 26 and 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 28, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday and Friday, Aug 29 and 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions should be directed to the Monson Town Clerk’s office at 413-267-4115 or townclerk@monson-ma.gov.
Wales
Reminder Publishing reached out to the town clerk’s office for information on early voting and did not receive a response as of press time.
Ware
Ware will host early in-person voting hours will take place Saturday, Aug. 24, and Monday to Friday, Aug. 26-30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is available at Veterans Park across the street or on Main Street.
For more information, call 413-967-9648, ext. 103, or email ntalbot@townofware.com.
