"The VOTES Act" Signed

New Election Laws

On June 22nd Governor Baker signed Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2022 (A.K.A. "The VOTES Act").  Here are some of the key changes in the law that may affect you as voters.

Starting July 22, 2022, the last day to register to vote for a Town Meeting or an Election is ten business days before the meeting or election. This is true for Annual and Special Town Meetings, Local Municipal Elections, State Elections and State Primaries.  

Vote by Mail (No excuse) is now available for all registered voters for all State Elections and Primaries. Those wishing to Vote by Mail can submit applications to the Town Clerk's Office. Click here for 2022 Vote by Mail Application.The deadline to submit Vote By Applications is 5 business days before an election. It is recommended to get in applications as soon as possible.

Early Voting in person is now available at the Town Offices for all registered voters for all State Elections and Primaries.  Early Voting dates can be viewed here. 

Vote by Mail (opt out option) and Early Voting In Person (opt in option) for Local Elections will be at the discretion of the Selectboard and the Board of Registrars. This will not be voted on until 2023 and voters will be updated at that time. 

The 150 foot rule now applies to Early Voting Locations. This means that there shall be no campaigning for or against a candidate or question on the ballot for that election within 150 feet of the entrance to the early voting site during voting hours. Signature gathering of any kind will also be prohibited during the voting hours.