Published in the October 5, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Registered Melrose voters can once again participate in early voting for this November’s 2018 state election.
Early voting will take place at Melrose City Hall, 562 Main St., beginning Oct. 22 through Nov. 2, during regular business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For the convenience of residents, early voting also will be held the evening of Thursday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How Does Early Voting Work?
Early voters will complete their ballot in City Hall and place the ballot in a sealed Early Voting envelope that they’ve filled out with their name, address, and signature. The Elections Administrator will ensure that these ballots are submitted to the correct polling location on Election Day. Please note, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.
How is Early Voting Different than Absentee Voting?
Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Absentee voting is still available for registered voters who qualify (qualifications for absentee voting includes the voter being absent from their city or town on Election Day, or the voter having a disability or religious belief that prevents them from going to the polls.)
Deadline to Register to Vote is Oct. 17
Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. You can check your registration status and register to vote at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ or www.RegisterToVoteMA.com.
You may also register to vote in the elections office at Melrose City Hall during regular business hours, and until 8 p.m. on Oct. 17.
