What You Need to Know about Voting in the Upcoming Primary

TEWKSBURY, MA - The March 1 Presidential Primary is quickly approaching and Town Clerk Denise Graffeo is reminding residents your enrollment as a voter will affect the party primary in which you can vote in the March 1 primary.

In particular, the new United Independent” party, which is one of the four parties in the state of Massachusetts in which you can vote during the upcoming primary. If you are an “Unenrolled” voter, you can still choose which party’s ballot you want to receive.

There are four political parties in Massachusetts:

• D - Democratic Party
• R - Republican Party
• J - Green-Rainbow
• CC - United Independent Party

When voting on March 1, 2016, voters who are enrolled in one of the above parties can only vote on the ballot for that party.

Voters who are unenrolled in a party (commonly known as “Independent”) will be listed on the voter list with the party code “U.” Unenrolled voters and voters who are members of Political Designations can choose which party’s ballot they would like to receive.

If you wish to change your party enrollment for the Presidential Primary, you must do so on or before Feb. 10. You may change your party enrollment by completing a new voter registration form in person in the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, by mail, or online at www.RegisterToVoteMA.com.

Upcoming Election Dates and Information:

Presidential Primary Tuesday, March 1

• Last Day to Register for Presidential Primary: Wednesday, Feb. 10

Annual Town Election Saturday, April 2

• Last Day to Register: Friday, March 11

State Primary Thursday, Sept. 8

• Last Day to Register: Friday, August 18

State Election Tuesday, Nov. 8

• Last Day to Register: Wednesday, Oct. 19