Boston, August 13, 2014, — For participation in the upcoming State Primary Election, the last day to register to vote, to change a voting address, or to change one’s political party is Wednesday, August 20, 2014. The State Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
Candidates on top of the ballot in the MA Democratic primaries (file photo).
In order to accommodate prospective voters, the Boston Election Department in Room 241, City Hall, will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on August 20. Those wishing to register in person after 5:00 p.m. should enter City Hall from the Congress Street side (directly opposite Faneuil Hall).
Mail-in registrations must be postmarked no later than August 20. Those registrants using the US Mail should remember that the zip code for City Hall is 02201. In the past, the Election Department has seen registration forms delayed due to the use of the wrong zip code. Voter registration forms can also be found at local branch libraries.
Mail-in registration forms can be printed out from the City of Boston website: www.boston.gov/elections. Voters can also check their voting status by using the Voter Registration Search tool on the same website.
In Primary elections, declared party members (Democrats and Republicans) must take the ballot of their political party. Unenrolled (no party) voters may choose either ballot. Voters affiliated with other political designations do not participate in Primary elections.
The following political offices will be on the ballot this year: US Senator, US Representatives (Congressmen), Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney General, Treasurer and Auditor. State Senators and Representatives will also appear on the ballot, as will the Governor’s Council. Finally, Suffolk County District Attorney, Sheriff, and Register of Probate.
For more information or any questions, please call the Boston Election Department at 617-635-4634 or email [email protected].
ABSENTEE BALLOTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 9 PRIMARY ELECTION
Absentee ballots are now available for the State Primary Election, which will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
Absentee voters are required to fill out a new application each calendar year. Applications may be obtained by calling the Election Department at 617-35-3767, or through the Department’s website: www.cityofboston.gov//elections. If a voter is unsure as to whether or not an absentee ballot request is up-to-date, he or she should contact the Department directly. All voters are urged to file their applications as soon as possible in order to expedite the mailing of the actual absentee ballots.
As September 9 is a primary election, prospective absentee voters who are currently listed as “no party/unenrolled” must indicate, on their application, a party preference so that the correct ballot will be sent.
Absentee ballots are also available for those who wish to vote in person at the Election Department. At this time, any person voting absentee can only do so if health reasons prevent the voter from getting to the polls, the voter is out of the City of Boston all day on September 9, or religious reasons prevent the voter from participating on primary day. Early voting in Massachusetts will not take place until 2016. To vote absentee in person, visit the Election Department in Room 241 at Boston City Hall, on Monday through Friday, from 9:30AM until 4:00PM. Additional times are available by appointment only; to make an appointment, please contact Mary Ann or Joe at 617-635-2211.
The last day to register to vote, change one’s voting address, or party affiliation for the primary is August 20, 2014. The Election Department will be open until 8:00PM that evening to accommodate registrants and those wishing to make changes. Those who wish to register or make changes by mail should make sure that their request is postmarked no later than August 20. Massachusetts Law does not currently allow these changes to be made via email.
Questions about voting status can be directed to [email protected].