Franklin Matters: Early voting begins Oct 24

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Early voting begins Oct 24

"Starting later this month, and for the first time in Massachusetts, all registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day.

With a historic presidential election weeks away, area town clerks are advising voters in their towns that early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4.

Prior to the enactment of the new early voting law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or who have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter.

A license or ID issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles is required to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 election, participants must be registered by Oct. 19.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail."

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FRANKLIN: Early voting can be done in person at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E. Central St. on the following dates:

Oct. 24-25: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 26-27: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Oct. 28: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Nov. 2-3: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Nov. 4: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Franklin will also offer weekend hours from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail, Franklin Town Clerk's Office, 355 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038. The application can be found at sec.state.ma.us/ele; franklin.ma.us.