Early Voting February 2020

Town Clerk Catherine Harder-Bernier is delighted to announce that all registered voters will once again be able vote before Election Day in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on February 24, 2020, and continue through February 28, 2020. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from Hanover on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele and go to “Am I Registered to Vote?”  If you need to register to vote, you may do so online by visiting: www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. All you need is a license or an ID issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the March 3^rd Presidential Primary, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by February 12, 2020.

In Hanover, early voting may be accomplished in person at Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, during the week of February 24 – 28^th on: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon.  The legislature has allowed for Early Voting on these 5 days; a Saturday session is not possible for this election.  Regardless, counting Election Day March 3^rd, voters now have a choice of 6 different days to fit voting into their schedule.

Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

For only the third time in Massachusetts, the first choice all voters will make is which day to vote. Early voting will make the most fundamental right of our citizens more convenient than ever to exercise. All Hanover residents are encouraged to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote when their schedules allow. 

For more information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-826-5000, ext. 1079 or Town Clerk Catherine Harder-Bernier at catherine.harderbernier@hanover-ma.gov or Assistant Town Clerk Meg Pallotta at meg.pallotta@hanover-ma.gov.