General election · Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Voting in Massachusetts

Deadlines, early voting, mail voting, ID and polling hours, from the official state election office.

Check my registration Find my polling place Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Elections Division

U.S. Senate and Governor

Statewide races every Massachusetts voter sees. Candidates are listed in the order of the official source, with party as printed.

U.S. Senate

Edward J. Markey · Democratic
John Deaton · Republican
Shiva Ayyadurai · Independent
Joe Tache · Socialism and Liberation

Governor

Maura Healey · Democratic
Running mate: Kimberley Driscoll
Michael Roger Minogue · Republican
Running mate: Shawn Oliver
James · Independent
Running mate: Kittredge

Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth, 2026 State Election Candidates. Write-in candidates not shown. Your county's sample ballot has every race.

Key facts for Nov. 3

Register to vote

Online registration is available.

Official source

Vote early in person

Any voter (no excuse). In person Oct. 17 to Oct. 30 in your city or town; hours set locally, with weekend hours in every community. Schedules posted by Oct. 9.

Official source

Election Day

Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (some towns open as early as 5:45 a.m.).

Vote by mail

Who: Any voter may request one (no excuse).

Request by: Application must arrive at your local election office by 5 p.m. Tue., Oct. 27 (5th business day before).

Return by: Received by your local election office or drop box by close of polls (8 p.m.) Nov. 3; or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Fri., Nov. 6. Ballots cannot be dropped off at a polling place on Election Day.

Official source

ID to vote in person

Most voters do not need ID. You may be asked if voting for the first time in Massachusetts or on the inactive list: driver license, state ID, utility bill, lease, or other printed ID with name and address.

Official source

Note: Nov. 6 return date computed from the official rule of 3 extra days for ballots postmarked by Election Day. Newly naturalized citizens who miss the deadline may register in person at their local election office until 4 p.m. the day before the election.

From the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Elections Division and other official state sources, checked Oct 7, 2026. Rules can change; the official office has the final word. Only eligible, registered voters may vote.

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