Election Laws Have Changed

Election Laws Have Changed

On June 22, 2022, an election reform law titled “The VOTES Act” was signed into law. Among other things, the VOTES Act makes several of the temporary changes from the pandemic permanent, so many of these policies and procedures will be familiar to you from elections in 2020. The new law also makes the absentee voting process and early voting by mail processes consistent. 

Voter Registration Deadlines

Beginning July 22, 2022, the voter registration deadline for all elections and town meetings will be 10 calendar days before the date of the meeting or election. 

Election: September 6, 2022 State Primaries     
Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 27 from 9-11 am and 3-5 pm

Election: November 8, 2022 State Election       
Registration Deadline: Saturday October 29 from 9-11 am and 3-5 pm

Dates to REQUEST EARLY VOTE BY MAIL or ABSENTEE applications

Last day/time your request for an early vote by mail or absentee ballot will be accepted for the September 6, 2022 State primary is on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 5 pm 

Last day/time your request for an early vote by mail or absentee ballot will be accepted for the November 8, 2022 State Election is Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5 pm

Below are the links for the applications:

2022 Vote by Mail Application
Absentee Ballot Application

For more information, please see the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleabsentee/absidx.htm