Sudbury Early Voters Only Half Compared To 2016 Turnout

SUDBURY, MA—More than 800 voters had taken advantage of early voting options as of Monday morning, and many are expecting that pace expected to continue in Massachusetts through the end of early voting on Nov. 2.

However, with 815 votes cast in the first five days of voting this year, it pales in comparison to 2016, when Sudbury's early voters totaled 1,644 in the first five days.

It's important to note that early voting was only first introduced in Massachusetts in 2016 for the November general election. The early-voting had been signed into law by then-Governor Deval Patrick.

Voters in Sudbury and other Massachusetts communities were able to start casting ballots on Monday, Oct. 22. Early voting is open to all registered voters in Massachusetts, not just those who have reasons they cannot making it to the polls on election day.

In Sudbury, in addition to races for state rep and senator, there are two ballot questions for Sudbury Voters in addition to the three state-wide questions. One is regarding design funds for a new Fairbank Community Center and the other to acquire Broadacres Farm land for the town.

Sudbury voters can vote in person in the Lower Town Hall, 322 Concord Road, through Friday, Nov. 2. Enter at the front of the building or the handicapped entrance on the side between the Town Hall and the Grange.

Early Voting Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The deadline to register to vote in the election was Oct. 17. You can check your voting status on the Secretary of State's Website. You can also use the Website to find your polling place. If you missed the deadline to register to vote, make sure you register for future elections.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is noon on the day before the election, according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State. Absentee ballots can be requested from the town clerk in writing, by either the voter or a family member. Absentee ballots are available to people who will be out of town during the hours the polls are open, have a physical disability preventing them from going to the polling place, or a religious belief.

The easiest way to request an absentee ballot is to fill out a Massachusetts Absentee Ballot Application and return it to the town clerk's office.

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock