Massachusetts Voting Options Bill is Now Law
Governor Baker has signed H.4820 - An Act Relative to Voting Options in Response to COVID-19 into law. With Massachusetts voters set to go to the polls on September 1 for the state primary and November 3 for the general election, this law will help to ensure that all registered voters can cast their ballots safely and without putting themselves at risk for COVID-19.
This new law only applies to 2020 elections. It will protect your health while voting in this year’s primary and general election in three ways:
- Every registered voter in Massachusetts will have the opportunity to request an absentee ballot without needing to provide an excuse.
- Early voting periods will be extended to allow more opportunities to vote in person before the primary and election day.
- In-person voting on election day will involve new measures to protect the health of voters and poll workers alike.
Important dates to remember:
July 15: All eligible voters will receive an absentee ballot application from Secretary of State Bill Galvin by this date to request mail-in ballots for the primary.
August 22 – 28: In-person early voting period for the Massachusetts State Primary
September 1: Primary Day
October 17-30: In-person early voting period for the Massachusetts State Election
November 3: General Election Day
