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A new law will allow Massachusetts voters to cast ballots ahead of the November election.
(Republican file photo)
Although more than two weeks remain until the Nov. 8 general election, Massachusetts voters can begin casting their ballots as early as Monday.
A new law allows voters across the state to weigh in on races and ballot questions from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4 -- four days before the general election, according to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin's office.
While registered voters can submit their ballots early, the option is encouraged only for those who have made up their minds about candidates and ballot questions, said Galvin spokesman Brian McNiff. Voters will not be allowed to amend early ballots or resubmit them.
What can I vote for on an early ballot?
Similar to absentee ballots, early ballots will include the full slate of candidates and ballot questions voters will see on Election Day, including presidential, federal, state and local races.
Where can I vote early?
In general, Massachusetts voters will be allowed to cast early ballots from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, including on weekends. Cities and towns, however, set their own hours, dates and locations for early voting. You can find your early voting locations and hours here at massearlyvote.com.
SPRINGFIELD
City Hall, located at 36 Court St., Room 8, will hold early voting Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Oct. 29, City Hall will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for early voting.
City Hall will also hold early voting from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., on Nov. 3 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Nov. 4 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Hungry Hill Senior Center, Mayflower Senior Center, 16 Acres Library, Brightwood Library, Indian Orchard Library, Pine Point Library Express, Mason Square Library and Forest Park Manor, meanwhile, will also hold various early voting hours.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
The Municipal Office Building, 26 Central St., will generally hold early voting hours Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- hours that will be extended to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
On Oct. 29 it will hold early voting from 8 a.m. to noon.
HOLYOKE
The Registrar of Voters, City Hall Auditorium, Holyoke Senior Center, Holyoke Soldier's Home and Holyoke High School will hold early voting hours from Oct. 24 to Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 at various times.
Check massearlyvote.com for times and dates.
CHICOPEE
City Hall, 274 Front St., will hold early voting hours Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29.
AGAWAM
Agawam Town Hall, 36 Main St., will hold early voting hours from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 for early voting. It will also hold early voting from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
The Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., will hold early voting hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 27.
EAST LONGMEADOW
East Longmeadow Town Hall, 60 Center Square, will generally hold early voting from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. -- with hours extended to 8 p.m. on Oct. 27. It will also be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 29.
LONGMEADOW
The Council on Aging, 231 Maple Road, will hold early voting hours from Oct. 24 to Oct. 27, and on Oct. 31, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
It will also hold early voting hours on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 between 8:15 a.m. and noon, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29.
On Nov. 1, early voting will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WILBRAHAM
Wilbraham Town Hall, 240 Springfield St., will hold early voting hours from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. It will also hold early voting between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 29.
NORTHAMPTON
Early voting will be at City Hall, 210 Main St. The schedule is as follows: Oct. 24 to 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Oct. 29, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can I get text reminders to vote?
Yes. The League of Women Voters Springfield will send daily text alerts including early voting locations and hours to Western Massachusetts residents who sign up for reminders. Text VOTE413, followed by your town, to 797979 to sign up for the alerts.
Do I have to submit an early ballot in person?
No. Voters looking to cast their ballots early without visiting an early voting location can do so through mail.
To cast a ballot by mail, registered voters must download an application from massearlyvote.com and mail it to their local election official. Early ballots will be mailed out beginning Monday.
Will early votes be counted on Election Day?
Yes. Ballots submitted early will be sent to voters' respective precincts and counted on Nov. 8, according to Galvin's office.