The 2024 presidential election is quickly approaching, and Massachusetts residents can cast their votes in person early Saturday.
Early voting for Needham residents began at 9 a.m. Saturday, as dozens of residents streamed in and out of City Hall to exercise their right to vote ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.
“It’s the most important thing in the world to make sure you vote and make sure you’re putting your opinion forward and making sure the right candidates win,” said Needham’s Jim McInerney.
Fellow Needham resident Tara Cardozo added, “I would like to have my vote.”
Commonwealth Secretary William Galvin said he is encouraged by the response so far to vote by post
“We have already put more than 1.3 million ballots into the hands of voters and have returned more than 400,000 to date,” Galvin said.
Galvin said early voting began in Massachusetts in 2020 because of the pandemic and 3.6 million people voted in the presidential election. He said he expects a similar turnout in this election, with a third of people voting early, a third voting by mail and a third voting on Election Day.
Candidates for President and Vice President on the Massachusetts electoral ballot have been finalized:
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AYYADURAI and ELLIS, independent
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DE LA CRUZ and GARCIA, Socialism and Liberation
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HARRIS and WALZ, Democratic
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OLIVER and TER MAAT, libertarian
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STEIN and CABALLERO-ROCA, Green-Rainbow Party
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TRUMP and VANCE, Republican
In addition to selecting a president, Massachusetts residents will be asked to vote for the U.S. House and Senate. They will also face five voting questions:
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Question 1: Authority of the State Auditor to audit the legislature
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Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement
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Question 3: Trade union organization for transport network drivers
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Question 4: Limited legalization and regulation of certain natural psychedelic substances
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Question 5: Minimum wage for tipped employees
“There are two sides to everything and hopefully people will take the time to read the questions, consider the pros and cons and make their own choice,” says Needham’s John Lalor.
Are you planning to cast your vote early this election season? Here’s everything you need to know:
When is early voting in Massachusetts?
Early voting in Massachusetts begins on Saturday, October 19 and runs through Friday, November 1.
How do you vote early in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you can vote early in all statewide elections. You don’t need an excuse to vote early.
You can vote in person or by mail. For information about early voting by mail, click here.
Where can I vote early in person?
You can vote early at any early voting location in your community.
Early voting dates and locations vary by city and municipality. Click here for a full list of details about your community’s early voting schedule.
When is the deadline to register to vote in Massachusetts?
The deadline to register to vote, update your registration or change your party is 10 days before any election. The last day to register to vote in Massachusetts is Saturday, October 26.
You can register to vote online here.
What should you bring with you when voting in person in Massachusetts?
You may be required to show ID when checking in at your polling station if:
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You are voting for the first time in Massachusetts
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You are on the inactive voters list
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You cast a provisional or contested ballot
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The pollster has a practical and legal reason for asking for identification
Examples of acceptable identification include:
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A driver’s license
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A state ID card
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A recent utility bill
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A rental voucher or rental contract.
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A copy of a voter registration affidavit
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A letter from a school dormitory or housing agency
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Any other printed identification that contains your name and address
For more information about voting in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website.
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