With the Preliminary Municipal Election on the horizon, scheduled for September 12th, 2023, the Boston Election Department has issued crucial reminders for citizens residing in City Council Districts 3, 5, 6, and 7. This election will determine the field of candidates whose names will appear on the official ballot at the Municipal Election on November 7.
Amidst these reminders, voters should take note of significant changes in some polling locations, including the transition from Fenway Center to Morville House and Washington Irving School to Roslindale Community Center in certain wards and precincts. Full lists of new locations can be found here.
In a move dedicated to flexibility and convenience, the city now offers a voting revolution: early voting. Boston has launched in-person early voting which began on September 2nd and will continue until September 8th, 2023. A main selling point of early voting is that it allows voters to cast their ballot at any early voting location, rather than a designated polling station. Early voting locations are accessible for voters with disabilities and equipped with AutoMark machines for assistance in marking ballots.
Vote-by-mail options are also available for those who requested it. These ballots must be returned to the Boston Election Department by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in order to be counted. Voters can return their ballots using one of the 21 drop boxes situated throughout the city, in-person at the Boston Election Department, or via U.S. Mail with the provided postage-paid return. The status of these ballots can be tracked here.
Moreover, with efforts to accommodate all voters, the Accessible Electronic Voting System aims to provide an option for those unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate traditional ballots. This secure electronic system is now available for application online.
As modern technological advancements meet the world of politics, Boston's innovative approach to voting provides hope for increased voter turnout and engagement in the democratic process. Polling locations open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with locations available here. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish, with Chinese and Vietnamese ballots and language interpreters available as required. All voting locations are ADA accessible and offer AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal support for voters with visual or hearing impairments.
In compliance with media guidelines, the Election Department has set specific rules for press members covering the elections, including restrictions on interaction with voters and poll workers, photography, video, exit polling, and audio recording in the polling locations.
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