How, When and Where to Vote

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? Contact the LWVN at 617-383-4598 or 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.

Absentee Voting

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.

Pandemic Voting Options extended to March 31, 2021

Voting by mail was available to all voters for all elections in 2020 and has been extended to elections through March 31, 2021. You do not need an excuse to vote by mail through March 31.

To vote by mail, all you need to do is:

1. Complete a Vote by Mail Application;
2. Deliver your application to your local election office;
3. Vote when your ballot arrives;
4. Return your ballot.

For Newton’s March 16, 2021 Special Election, applications must reach the Newton Clerk’s office by March 10, 2021 for the Special Election to fill two vacancies on the Newton City Council.

Special Election ballots need to be back at the Newton Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on March 16,2021.

Apply early, in order to have enough time to return your ballot.

In-person Early Voting is also available for the March Special Election.  Learn more about Newton’s March 16, 2021 Special Election here.