All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on October 24th and continue through November 4th, 2016. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot. 
Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. To be eligible to vote early or in the November 8th State Election, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by October 19th, 2016.
Early voting can be done in person or by mail. Registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail. Applications may be downloaded on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. Once the form has been completed, it may be mailed or hand-delivered to your town clerk. All ballots mailed from within the United States must be received no later than close of polls on Election Day.
In Blandford, early voting can be done in person at the town offices, 1 Russell Road, Blandford during the following dates and times:
Monday, October 24 – 5 to 7 p.m.
Monday, October, 31 – 5 to 7 p.m.
In Montgomery, early voting can be done in person at the Montgomery Town Hall, 161 Main Road, Montgomery, MA during the following dates and times:
Wednesday October 26 – 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2 – 12 noon to 2 p.m.
In Russell, Massachusetts early voting can be done in person at the Russell Town Hall, 65 Main Street during the following dates and times:
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 – 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Friday, October 28, 2016 – 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 – 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Friday, November 4, 2016 – 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.
For the first time in Massachusetts, the first choice all voters will make is which day to vote. Early voting will make the most fundamental right of our citizens more convenient than ever to exercise. We encourage all of our citizens to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on their schedules.
