In Massachusetts, you can vote early in all statewide elections and some local elections. You don’t need an excuse to cast an early ballot. You can vote early in person or by mail. For information on voting early by mail, visit our Voting by Mail page.
Eligible Elections
In-person early voting is available for:
- Regular state elections
- Regular state primaries
- Presidential primaries
- Special elections held on the same day as a statewide election
- Special elections for U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives
Local officials can choose to offer in-person early voting for city and town elections. Contact your local election office for information about early voting in an upcoming local election.
Early Voting Periods
In-person early voting takes place during a designated early voting period, set by state law.
For statewide elections, early voting periods include guaranteed weekend voting hours for every community.
If early voting is available for your city or town election, the early voting period will be set by the city council or board of selectmen.
2026 Early Voting Periods
State Primary: August 22-28
State Election: October 17-30
Schedules & Locations
You can vote at any early voting location in the city or town where you are registered to vote. At least one early voting site will be provided in your community.
Find your community’s September 1, 2026 State Primary early voting schedule and locations here.
Early voting schedules for the November 3, 2026 State Election will be posted on this page no later than Friday, October 9.
