While much of the media attention is focused on the upcoming presidential election in November, Secretary of State William Galvin is urging voters to think ahead and register to vote in the upcoming state primary election on Thursday, September 6. The deadline to register for the state primary is tomorrow, Friday, August 17.
Independents may choose which party primary to vote in, but voters registered with a party may only vote in that party’s primary.
October 17 is the last day to register for the state and national election on November 6.
There are races on both sides of the aisle. In the newly configured 9th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent William Keating, who rents a house in Quincy and owns a summer home in Bourne, faces a challenge from Bristol County district attorney C. Samuel Sutter of Fall River.
Republican Adam Chaprales of Barnstable will square off against Christopher Sheldon of Plymouth for a chance to try and unseat the Democrats in November.
If registering by mail, voter registration forms must by postmarked by Friday, according to the Secretary Galvin’s website. Mail-in voter forms are available online at the Secretary’s website.
If registering in person, voters must register by the end of business hours on Friday. Voters may register at any Island town hall. Hours vary by location.
Only a person who is a U.S. citizen, resident of Massachusetts, and 18 years old on, or before, election day may register to vote.
If registering for the first time, residents will be asked for identification when registering in person or by mail. Acceptable identification must include your name and current address. Current driver’s licenses, state identification cards, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government documents can be used. If identification is sent by mail, it may not be returned, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
