Primary elections: Deadlines and Absentee ballots

The Boston Elections department sends us this note concerning the Party primaries.

Important dates:

• Now - you can apply for an absentee ballot
• February 15th - last day to become a registered voted in order to vote in the primaries. (If you're registered already, you're good to go.)
• March 6th - Presidential Primary elections

If you want to join a particular party, you must register with that party by Feb 15.   If you are not registered with any party (unenrolled/independent), you can chose which party primary to vote in when you arrive at the polling location.

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Absentee Ballot Applications Now Available

Request or Renew your Absentee Ballot Application for the March 6 Presidential Primary

The Board of Election Commissioners wants to remind all Boston voters that absentee ballot applications for 2012 are now available. Since an application for an absentee ballot must be submitted and/or renewed by each voter every calendar year, The Board advises voters considering the use of an absentee ballot for the March 6 Presidential Primary to apply now.

Given the unpredictability of early March weather, the elderly, or voters with mobility challenges, may want to consider applying for an absentee ballot for the Primary.  Applications may be obtained by calling the Election Department at 617-635-3767 or can be downloaded from the Department’s webpage: www.cityofboston.gov/elections. If a voter is unsure whether or not his/her absentee ballot request is up-to-date, please call the Election Department.

 The Board also reminds absentee voters that, as March 6 is a Primary, Unenrolled (or Independent) voters should indicate on the application which party ballot (Democrat, Green-Rainbow, or Republican) you wish to be sent. Those who have already indicated party affiliations will receive the ballot of their chosen party, unless a party change has been received no later than 20 days before the Primary.

The last day to register to vote, change one’s voting address, or change one’s party affiliation in time for the Primary is February 15. All mailed forms must be postmarked no later than February 15.

For more information, please contact 617-635-3767 or through www.cityofboston.gov/elections.