The presidential election is just 28 days away, and it’s the perfect time to plan ahead for how you would like to submit your ballot.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The presidential election is just 28 days away, and it’s the perfect time to plan ahead for how you would like to submit your ballot.
22News spoke to Massachusetts’ election overseer–the secretary of state. He says the first step in voting is to ensure you are eligible.
If you are eligible, there are a couple of important dates to keep in mind as you decide how you will vote.
You must register to vote online or in person by October 26.
If you choose to vote by mail, you must apply by October 29, and postmark your ballot to be returned by November 5. You can also return your mail-in ballot in person on November 5 at any time before 8 p.m.
Early voting takes place from October 19 to November 1st.
The election is on November 5 and polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Secretary of State says there is no one best way to vote.
“They’re all reliable. It depends on what your needs are and what you’re comfortable with,” said Secretary Bill Galvin. “Fortunately, here in Massachusetts we have a very good body of election laws giving voters the rights and options to vote when they want, how they want. And that’s what we want to do.”
For voters with disabilities or other specialized needs, the state has options for you too.
“For voters who have disabilities, there will be the opportunity to have equipment that helps them so that they don’t have to rely on other people…to be able to vote with the personal privacy that they wish,” said Galvin.
Whether you vote in person on November 5th or by mail in October, voting is your right.
You can find resources to double-check your voter registration and polling place here.
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