New Bedford Elections Commission announces polling location changes

Absentee, Mail-In Ballots Now Available for State and Congressional Primary.

“NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Elections Commission is gearing up for the State and Congressional Primary election on Sept. 3, including announcing changes to two Ward 3 polling locations and the availability of absentee and mail-in ballots.

Based on voter feedback, the Commission is changing polling locations for Precincts C and D in Ward 3 to the following locations:

• Precinct C will now vote at Hayden-McFadden Elementary School, 361 Cedar Grove St. Please use the main entrance. Its previous location was Taber Mills.

• Precinct D will now vote at Taber Mills, 271 Deane St. Please use the entrance on Coffin Avenue. Its previous location was Holy Name.

The changes will take effect starting with the Sept. 3 State and Congressional Primary. Polls will be open on that day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the City. Voters can make their selections for Senator and Representative in Congress, Governor’s Council, Senator and Representative in the Mass. General Court, Clerk of Courts, County Commissioner, and Register of Deeds.

Additionally, absentee and mail-in ballots are now available for the Sept. 3 primary. The deadline to apply by mail for an absentee or mail-in ballot is Aug. 26 at 5 p.m., while the deadline to apply in person at the Elections Office at City Hall (133 William St.) is Sept. 2 at noon. All absentee or mail-in ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8 p.m. on election day, either by mail, being hand-delivered to the office, or placed in the drop-off boxes outside City Hall or on Elm Street by the bus terminal.

Any registered voter can request a mail-in or absentee ballot, or vote absentee, at the Elections Office at City Hall during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Early voting will be held Downtown on the third floor of the New Bedford Public Library, 613 Pleasant St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24-30. The voter registration deadline for the primary is Aug. 24.

As a reminder, Massachusetts holds what are referred to as “closed primaries” in which voters registered with one party are not allowed to pull a ballot in the other party’s primary. For example, in primary elections, enrolled Democrats can only take Democrat ballots, and enrolled Republicans can only take Republican ballots. Unenrolled, or independent, voters can choose which party’s ballot to take. In contrast, in the general election, voters are free to vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status or designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election, would like to request a mail-in or absentee ballot, or has other questions can contact the Elections Commission at 508-979-1420.”-City of New Bedford.