Voters in Massachusetts can choose to cast their ballots in the way that is most convenient for them.
If you are registered to vote, you can vote:
- At your polling place, on November 3, 2026
- At an early voting site in your city or town, from October 17-30
- By mail
You can choose any one of the above options. Before you decide, read below to learn more about the process.
Voting on Election Day
You have an assigned polling place, which is based on your address. If you are not sure where yours is, you can visit www.VoteInMA.com to find your polling place.
Polling places in Massachusetts are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you are an eligible voter, you can cast a ballot as long as you are in line at your polling place by 8 p.m.
Voting Early
In-person early voting will begin on Saturday, October 17 and end on Friday, October 30.
The early voting period includes two weekends, and every city and town is required to offer some early voting hours on both weekends.
Every city and town will have at least one early voting location. If your city or town has more than one location, you can go to any location to cast your ballot.
Early voting locations and schedules are set by local officials in your community. These schedules will be posted at www.VoteInMA.com no later than October 10, 2026.
Make sure to check your community’s schedule before you make your plan to vote. Many communities have limited or no voting hours on Fridays.
Voting by Mail
State law allows you to cast your ballot by mail, without needing a reason to do so. To request your mail-in ballot, you need to submit a Vote by Mail application to your local election office.
Every registered voter was mailed an official 2026 Vote by Mail application earlier this year. You can use that application to request your ballot, or apply online at www.VoteInMA.com. Printable applications are also available.
We recommend that you apply by:
- October 13, if you are mailing your application
- October 20, if you apply online
Your Vote by Mail application will be honored as long as it reaches your local election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, but you should apply earlier if you are planning to return your ballot by mail.
You can return your ballot:
- By mail
- By secure ballot drop box in your city or town
- By hand, at an early voting location in your city or town
- By hand, at your local election office
If you have not mailed your ballot within one week of Election Day, it is strongly recommended that your return your ballot by drop box or in person, to ensure your ballot can be counted!
Are You Registered to Vote?
To choose any of these voting options, you first have to be registered to vote.
Visit www.VoteInMA.com to check that your information is up to date, especially if you have moved since the last election.
If you have a Massachusetts driver’s license, you can register or update your information at the same website.
If you do not have a Massachusetts driver’s license, you can register to vote using a paper form, either by mail or in person at your local election office or early voting location.
You must be registered to vote by Saturday, October 24, 2026, in order to vote in this election.
You can register:
- Online until 11:59 p.m. on October 24
- By mail, with a form postmarked by October 24
- In person, by 5 p.m. on October 24
