Early voting begins Oct. 17

Voters can hit the polls before Election Day, with early voting beginning Saturday, Oct. 17. Here’s how to be prepared.

This year’s ballot is longer than normal because there are nine ballot questions. The ballot is three pages long, spread across two sheets of paper — one double-sided, one single-sided. Voters must return both sheets when submitting their ballots.

Residents will be voting for candidates running for district, state and federal offices. 

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey faces a challenge from Republican candidate and lawyer John Deaton for the state senator seat.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, of Bourne, is running against former Mattapoisett Select Board member and Republican candidate Tyler Macallister.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll each seek a second term. They are running against a Republican ticket of former healthcare executive Mike Minogue for governor and New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver for lieutenant governor.

There are nine separate ballot questions this year. The ballot topics include primary election changes, changes in voter registration, environmental funding, gun laws, marijuana sales and increased housing. Visit the Secretary of State’s voter guide to read arguments for and against each ballot question.

In-person early voting in Mattapoisett will be held at 16 Main St. Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 17. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Early voting ends Oct. 30.  

Rochester will hold early voting at 1 Constitution Way. Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 17. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Early voting ends Oct. 30.

Marion’s early voting will be held at 2 Spring St. beginning Oct. 17. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Mail-in ballots can be requested until 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. Ballots can be returned by mail in the provided envelope or dropped off at the clerk’s office or Town Hall.

Ballots should be requested as soon as possible to vote by mail. According to the U.S. Postal Service, it could take up to seven days for ballots to be delivered. Mail-in ballots cannot be returned to a polling place on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The deadline to register to vote in Massachusetts is Saturday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. Voters can check their registration and register to vote online.