For a detailed description of how to vote, go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Voting Process website page.
In-Person at Your Polling Place
Election Day Voting
In general, polls in municipal, state and national elections are open in Massachusetts on Election Day between 7:00am to 8:00pm. The hours may vary for local elections. Sample ballots and instructions are posted at the polls on election day. When you enter the polling place, give your address and name to the election official at the check-in table. If you need help, ask an election official at the check-in table.
Where do I vote if I am voting in-person?
- Don’t know where to vote? Simply enter your address at www.wheredoivotema.com (provided by the Massachusetts Secretary of State) to find your ward and precinct and learn where your polling place is. The Newton Election Commission also offers a downloadable list of polling places in Newton.
- Need a ride to the polls? Email us to schedule a pickup on election day.
Early Voting
Thanks to legislation passed in 2014, early voting is now the law in Massachusetts for State and Federal General Elections. Certain primary elections may also have early voting.
Voters may cast their ballots for two weeks before a Federal or State General Election. Before each election, the Election Commission will publish an early voting schedule on its website. Early voting is typically held at City Hall or at the Newton Free Library.
Voting by Mail
Massachusetts voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required. To request your Vote by Mail ballot, submit a signed application to your local election office.
To vote by mail, all you need to do is:
- Complete a Vote by Mail Application (you may use the application postcard sent to you by the Elections Division)
- Submit your application online, through the State’s Mail-in Ballot Application System
or
Deliver your application to the City Clerk’s office. That can be accomplished in any of the following ways:
-
- drop it off at one of the two secure ballot drop boxes outside the entrance to Newton City Hall, or
- mail it to the Newton Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, 02459, or
- fax your application to 617-796-1214, or
- scan the application and email it to elections@newtonma.gov, using the subject line: 2022 Vote by Mail Ballot Application
All applications must include a signature that can be compared to your hand-written signature. Electronic signatures, scanned applications, and photos of applications are acceptable.
Typed signatures on applications cannot be accepted, unless you are a voter who requires accommodations due to physical disability. If you are unable to sign your application or mark your ballot by hand due to a disability, please visit our page on Voting for Persons with Disabilities for information on requesting an accommodation.
Apply early in order to have enough time to return your ballot. Vote when your ballot arrives and make sure to return your ballot before or on Election Day.
Absentee Voting
In addition to no-excuse early voting by mail, Massachusetts has absentee voting for those who qualify. Absentee voting is available for all elections if you will be away from your city or town on Election Day, have a physical disability or cannot vote at the polls on Election Day due to religious beliefs.
Absentee ballots must be requested in writing at least 4 business days before Election Day. Applications are available for download at the Secretary of the Commonwealth website, but any written request is acceptable if it has your signature on it, or the signature of a member of your family who has making the request on your behalf.
Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or fax. If you are emailing your application, you may either scan or take a photo of your signed application and email it to your local election office, or you may sign your application using a mouse, finger, or stylus and email the completed and signed attachment. Typed signatures are not acceptable.
You can also download an absentee ballot application here: Absentee Ballot Application
More information on absentee ballots can be found at the City of Newton’s Election Commission Absentee Voting page.