Tuesday is the State Primary, What You Need to Know

Written by Liz Taurasi (Patch Staff)

The State Primary Election is Tuesday, Sept. 9. Here’s some important information as the primary approaches:

Who Can Vote?

The Primary is a partisan election; therefore all voters registered in the Democratic and Republican parties are eligible to vote. Voters registered as un-enrolled (commonly referred to as ‘independent’) must choose a party, and will automatically return to un-enrolled status following the election.

For Charlestown, State Rep. Dan Ryan (D-Charlestown) will go against challenger Roy Avellaneda of Chelsea for the Second Suffolk House District that covers both Charlestown and Chelsea. For information on this year’s candidates can be found at the following links:

Democratic Candidates
Republican Candidates

Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballots for the State Primary are available at the City of Boston Election Department. Voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to come to the polls in person on Election Day due to an absence from Boston during polling hours; have a physical disability that prevents them from going to the polling place or for religious belief. Eligible voters may vote in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Monday, Sept. 8 at 12 noon. Absentee ballot applications can also be downloaded by going online. Absentee ballot applications to be completed by a family member are also available from this office or online through the Secretary of State’s office. Absentee ballots must be received before 8 p.m. on the day of the election.

Voting Hours and Polling Locations

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Polling locations in Charlestown (Ward 2) are:

• Precinct 1: Zelma Lacey House, 9 West School St. (Vote in Community room)
• Precinct 2: Harvard/Kent School, 50 Bunker Hill St. (Vote in Gymnasium)
• Precinct 3: Zelma Lacey House, 9 West School St. (Vote in Conference room)
• Precinct 4: Harvard/Kent School, 50 Bunker Hill St. (Vote in Gymnasium)
• Precinct 5: Clarence R. Edwards Middle School, 28 Walker St. (Vote in Gymnasium; Voter Entrance in Rear School Yard from Eden Street)
• Precinct 6: Clarence R. Edwards Middle School, 28 Walker St. (Vote in Gymnasium; Voter Entrance in Rear School Yard from Eden Street)
• Precinct 7: Golden Age Senior Center, 382 Main St. (Vote in Lunch Room; HP Entrance Rear of Building)

Voters are encouraged to confirm their voter status and polling location by visiting the Secretary of State’s office online or by calling the election department. If your 2014 census was not received by this office, voters will be required to complete paperwork at the polls, therefore all voters are strongly encouraged to check their status before the election.

Campaign Signs at Polling Locations

Candidates and supporters are reminded that according to MGL Ch. 54 §65 signs are allowed at the polling place as long as they are outside the 150-foot radius around the entrance of the polling place. In addition, signs must not obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Posters, cards, handbills, placards, pictures or circulars intended to influence the action of the voter are also not permitted within the 150-foot radius.

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