What is early voting?
Early voting is a process by which a registered voter can vote prior to a scheduled biennial state election. All 2020 Elections will include Early Voting, including the State Primary, the Recall Election and the State Election.
When will the early voting period begin and end?
In-person early voting period for the September 1st State Primary and September 1st Recall Election will begin on Saturday, August 22nd and end Friday, August 28th
In-person early voting period for the November 3rd State Election will begin on Saturday, October 17th and end on Sunday, October 25th.
What is Vote by Mail?
For all 2020 Elections Absentee and Early voting ballots can be referred to as Vote by Mail. This means no excuse is needed for Absentee voting. Anyone can vote by requesting a Vote by Mail ballot.
How do I Vote by Mail?
Fill out the Official 2020 Vote by Mail Application sent by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and return it to the Town Clerk’s office, or fill out any Absentee Ballot Application. You may return the Vote by Mail or Absentee Ballot Application via mail or by dropping off in the Town business mailbox in the Town Hall parking lot.
Does the Vote by Mail Application sent by the Secretary allow me to vote in the Recall Election?
Yes, as long as you check the “All 2020 Elections” box on the application. You can also submit any absentee ballot application for any of the 2020 Elections.
Who is eligible to vote early or by mail?
All residents who are registered voters on or before August 22nd can vote early or by mail for the September 1st State Primary and Recall Election.
All residents who are registered voters on or before October 24th can vote early or by mail for the November 3rd State Election.
When is the deadline to register to vote for the Elections to be held on Tuesday, September 1st?
The deadline to register to vote, change party enrollment or change address for the September 1st elections is Saturday, August 22nd by 8:00 PM.
When is the deadline to register to vote for the State Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd?
The deadline to register to vote, change party enrollment or change address for the November 3rd election is Saturday, October 24th by 8:00 PM.
Hours to register to vote on August 22nd and October 24th?
Hours for voter registration for both August 22nd and October 24th is 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Town Hall.
Where do I vote early in-person?
All eligible voters may vote in-person at Reading Public Library in the Community Room, Basement Level 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading MA 01867
What dates and times can I vote early in-person?
| Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| August 22 12:00 PM 5:00 PM | August 23 12:00 PM 5:00 PM | August 24 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | August 25 9:00 AM 7:00 PM | August 26 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | August 27 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | August 28 12:00 PM 5:00 PM |
| October 17 12:00 PM 5:00 PM | October 18 12:00 PM 5:00 PM | October 19 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | October 20 9:00 AM 7:00 PM | October 21 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | October 22 8:30 AM 5:30 PM | October 23 12:00 PM 5:00 PM |
| October 24 12:00 PM 5:00 PM | October 25 12:00 PM 5:00 PM |
When are the early voting or vote by mail deadlines?
Early voting in Person ends on Friday, August 28th at 5:00 PM for the September 1st Elections and Sunday, October 25th at 5:00 PM for the November 3rd Election.
Last day and hour to deliver a voted ballot is 8:00 PM on Election Day. Ballots may be hand-delivered to Town Hall prior to November 2nd.
How do I get an early voting ballot?
You can get an early voting ballot by mail or in person. Voters voting by mail must complete an application or provide a request in writing. Submit the application to the Town Clerk’s office.
Voters voting in person do not need to complete an application. A voter may request a ballot at Reading Public Library by providing their Name and Address. Early voting ballots cannot be removed from an early voting polling place.
How do I return my Vote by Mail ballot?
If voting by mail the voter may return the ballot by mail to the Town Clerk’s office in the envelope provided by this office or the voter may deposit the envelope in the white box in the Town Hall parking lot.
Can I pick up an early voting ballot for a family member or friend?
No. The voter must come in person to the Reading Public Library or request to have the ballot mailed to them.
I requested a mail in ballot but did not receive it, what should I do?
If you requested a mail in ballot but did not receive it, please call our office at 781-942-9050.
If I vote early can I also vote at the polls on Election Day?
No. Your ballot will be considered cast and you will not be eligible to vote by mail or at the polls on Election Day.
What deadlines as a voter do I need to be award of?
| Day | Date | Reason | Election |
| Saturday | August 22, 2020 | Last day to register to vote for | September 1 |
| Wednesday | August 26, 2020 | Last day to request Mail-In Ballot for | September 1 |
| Monday | August 31, 2020 | Last day to request In-Person Absentee Ballot for | September 1 |
| Saturday | October 24, 2020 | Last day to register to vote for | November 3 |
| Wednesday | October 28, 2020 | Last day to request Mail-In Ballot for | November 3 |
| Monday | November 2, 2020 | Last day to request In-Person Absentee Ballot for | November 3 |
How does COVID-19 effect 2020 elections?
The Town of Reading is taking all precautions to protect all voters and election staff. If you are in the high-risk group it is highly encouraged that you vote by mail.
For any additional information please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 781-942-9050.
