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Massachusetts elections in 2026

This page lists Massachusetts statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Massachusetts​

Start with the official Massachusetts voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Massachusetts voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: The deadline to register to vote, update your registration, or change your party is 10 days before any election or town meeting. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register or pre-register to vote with a mail-in voter registration form. Print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by 11: 59 p. m. on the date of the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24

Online​

Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by 11: 59 p. m. on the date of the voter registration deadline.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You can register or pre-register to vote with a mail-in voter registration form. Print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline

Deadlines

In Person​

The deadline to register to vote, update your registration, or change your party is 10 days before any election or town meeting.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in Massachusetts​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • August 22, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 10 days before Election for Presidential or state primaries. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register or pre-register to vote with a mail-in voter registration form. Print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 25, 2026 — Vote by Mail Application Deadline: Vote by Mail Application Deadline is 5 p. m. , August 25
  • August 28, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends four days before Election Day.

Voter ID requirements in Massachusetts​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Massachusetts voter ID requirements.

Massachusetts election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — September 1, 2026​

Congressional and State Primary elections for nomination of candidates of political parties are held on the seventh Tuesday preceding biennial state elections.

Important dates​

  • August 22, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 10 days before Election for Presidential or state primaries. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: The deadline to register to vote, update your registration, or change your party is 10 days before any election or town meeting. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register or pre-register to vote with a mail-in voter registration form. Print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 22, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by 11: 59 p. m. on the date of the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is August 22, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - August 24
  • August 25, 2026 — Vote by Mail Application Deadline: Vote by Mail Application Deadline is 5 p. m. , August 25
  • August 28, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends four days before Election Day.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 17, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts 17 days preceding a biennial state election and any city or town election held on the same day as a biennial state election. **Note: ** The original date is October 17, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 19
  • October 24, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: The deadline to register to vote, update your registration, or change your party is 10 days before any election or town meeting. **Note: ** The original date is October 24, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 26
  • October 24, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can register or pre-register to vote with a mail-in voter registration form. Print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is October 24, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 26
  • October 24, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by 11: 59 p. m. on the date of the voter registration deadline. **Note: ** The original date is October 24, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 26
  • October 27, 2026 — Vote by Mail Application Deadline:: Vote by Mail Application Deadline: 5 p. m. , October 27
  • October 30, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends four days before Election Day.

Official Massachusetts election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.