Absentee, Mail-In Ballots Available for Presidential Primary

NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Election Commission is making available absentee and mail-in ballots for the March 5 Presidential Primary election.

Any registered voter can request to receive a mail-in or absentee ballot by visiting the Election Commission office at City Hall, 133 William St., during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Request forms have been mailed to registered voters in New Bedford.

If the request form is being mailed back to the Election Commission office, it must be received by Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Forms can also be returned in person at the office until March 4 at 12 p.m. Request forms, and an online tool to submit a request, are also available on the Mass. Secretary of State’s website, https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/vote-by-mail.htm.

All completed absentee or mail-in ballots must be returned to the Election Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, March 5, to be counted. They can be mailed back, hand delivered to the Election Commission Office at City Hall, or placed in the drop-off boxes outside City Hall or on Elm Street by the bus terminal.

In the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 5, New Bedford voters may cast their vote for president, state committee man, state committee woman, and ward committee.

Early in-person voting for the primary begins on Feb. 24. More information about early voting schedule and locations is forthcoming.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election, or has other questions about the election can contact the Board of Election Commissioners at 508-979-1420.