Canton prepares for 1st ever early voting period

The town of Canton is excited to announce that all registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on October 24 and continue through November 4.

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. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee, or vote on Election Day, the first step is to register to vote. Those who are not sure whether they are registered or would like more information on how to register should visit the secretary of the commonwealth’s website at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

Voter registration can be done online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. All that is required to apply online is a license or an ID issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible to vote in the November 8 state election, voters must register or make any necessary changes to their voter registration by October 19.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. For public convenience, the town of Canton has also decided to offer weekend hours on Saturday, October 29. To vote early in person, go to Canton Town Hall, 801 Washington Street, during the following dates and times:

Monday, October 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, October 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, October 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, November 1, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, November 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, November 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail. Simply fill out an application and mail it to the Town Clerk’s Office, 801 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021. The application can be found at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

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 citizens more convenient than ever to exercise. The commonwealth encourages all of its citizens to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on their schedules.

For more information, please contact the Canton Town Clerk’s Office at 781-821-5013.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 7 2016. Filed under News, Town Election, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.