Early Voting (Newton, Attleboro: live in, law, stores)

[MMS02760]

Just voted on a Saturday ten days before the election. Will not have to wait in long lines on election day and do not have to adjust my work schedule to get to the polls between 7am and 8pm that day. I applaud the state for giving its citizens voting options to fit their circumstances. This hopefully will encourage more participation in the voting process and relieve some of volume stress at polling places on election day (thus also making it better for those that vote that day).

[ladyalicemore]

I live in FL and have early voted since it has been available (first day in 2012, and this year just last Tuesday, also the first day it was available here).

A pleasure not to worry about possible shenanigans on Election Day itself. As it was there was some kind of external poll-watcher staring and glaring at everyone, even at 7AM.

Early voting is a great idea, as I like to do it in person but have a tight schedule on Tues., where things can come up at the last minute and delay my getting away to vote.

[CaseyB]

Where did you vote? Did they open the town hall?

[alidmc]

I voted last Thursday. I had some time during voting hours and stopped into town hall. The early voting location for me is at the town hall, the same place we usually vote. The process is a bit different, since they don't have the usual cadre of election workers. I got my ballot from the town clerk. Very easy!

[pixiegoose]

I voted early, at my town hall, yesterday and got to use the cool 100+ years old crank ballot box. Good reason to vote early!

[MMS02760]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Where did you vote? Did they open the town hall?

Yes - at my town hall. The town web site listed the dates and hours. Today was unfortunately the only weekend date in the process. Seems like there should be more weekend dates as the weekday dates, as is election day, are typically a problem for many working people.

North Attleborough Early Voting Options
EARLY VOTING HOURS AT NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH TOWN HALL:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct 24-27 & Oct 31-Nov 3)
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (October 28th & 29th)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH 8:00 AM - NOON

[chicagoliz]

I voted on Thursday in Newton. Originally, I went to the town hall on Wednesday but I could not get a parking space anywhere near the place. I went back Thursday morning and had no problem.

Every state should have early voting -- it makes so much sense and is such an easy way to increase voter participation. Many people call for election day to be a holiday, but that wouldn't help the people who don't have flexible schedules - if the retail stores can force people to work on Thanksgiving, they're not going to be any more accommodating to people not working on election day.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

I voted on Thursday in Newton. Originally, I went to the town hall on Wednesday but I could not get a parking space anywhere near the place. I went back Thursday morning and had no problem.

Every state should have early voting -- it makes so much sense and is such an easy way to increase voter participation. Many people call for election day to be a holiday, but that wouldn't help the people who don't have flexible schedules - if the retail stores can force people to work on Thanksgiving, they're not going to be any more accommodating to people not working on election day.

MA law requires employers to accommodate a worker's need to vote so that argument falls flat. No they don't have to give you off the entire day but they must allow you to come in late or leave early if that's the only way you'll have time to vote.

The problem with early voting is conditions can change between now and election day. Look at the news about Hillary last night. There are probably some people who voted early who wish they voted differently.

[porterhouse]

Absentee ballot here. One of the few pros of business travel.

[MMS02760]

MA Secretary of State William Galvin estimated that approximately 100,000 will have voted on Saturday and over 400,000 ballots had been cast since early voting started on Monday.


https://www.boston.com/news/politics...-massachusetts