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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Description of Program and Relief
Early Voting Options in Response to COVID-19
In an effort to provide safeguards against COVID-19 during the 2020 primary and general elections, this act amends Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, § 25B to increase voting options. Early voting has been extended and can be done by mail or in-person.
Measures regarding early voting by mail:
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All qualified voters are permitted to vote by mail;
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The Secretary of State is required to include at least 2 applications to vote early by mail in the voters booklet; and must send to qualified voters by July 15, 2020 for the primary election and by September 14, 2020 for the general election;
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The election officer and registrars of every city or town are required to include an application to vote early by mail to qualified voters by August 22, 2020 for the primary election, and by October 24, 2020 for the general election;
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A voter must return their application to the appropriate city or town clerk by in-person delivery to the office, deposit in a secure municipal drop box, or send by mail;
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For the primary election, the voter’s application must be received by 5 p.m. on August 26, 2020;
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For the general election, the voter’s applications must be received by 5 p.m. on October 28, 2020;
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Early voting ballots will be mailed to qualified voters by the city or town clerk, or a can be picked up in-person at their office;
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A voter must submit their completed early voting ballot to the appropriate city or town clerk by in-person delivery to the office, deposit in a secure municipal drop box, or return by mail;
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For the primary election, all early voting ballots must be received by poll closing time on election day—September 1, 2020;
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For the general election, early voting ballots submitted in-person or deposited at a secured municipal drop box must be received by November 6, 2020, or if mailed must be postmarked by November 3, 2020.
Measures regarding early voting in-person:
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All qualified voters are allowed to vote early in-person;
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For the primary election, the early voting periods are between Saturday, August 22, 2020, and Friday, August 28, 2020;
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For the general election, the early voting periods are between Saturday, October 17, 2020, and Friday, October 30, 2020; and
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Cities and towns must establish early voting sites, and are required to post the locations, dates and times.
The Secretary of State will implement a system to allow a qualified voter to request an early or absentee ballot on the Secretary of State’s website, and will provide early voting locations, date and time information on its website. The Secretary of State will also conduct a public awareness campaign to inform voters of these extended early voting options for the 2020 primary and general elections.
Government or Lead Agency
Legislation
Dates Available
The legislation was enacted on July 6, 2020.
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Not applicable
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
Not applicable
Contact for More Information
Not applicable
List of Additional Information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.