With Election Day just one day away, two top Massachusetts officials held media availabilities Monday to discuss final preparations.
Secretary of State William Galvin discussed current and anticipated voter turnout and other matters relating to Tuesday's election at a media availability Monday. Galvin said so far they've seen a "remarkable" response to early voting, with about 1.7 million ballots already returned between in-person early voting and mail-in ballots. He expects, based on what officials have seen so far, that after Election Day turnout will surpass the record of nearly 3.7 million set in 2020.
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Galvin also noted his office is not aware of any particular threats at the polls, but he felt it was important, given the current political climate, to reaffirm "the basic honesty and integrity of those who conduct elections in our country."
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"I think I can tell you that the people who administer elections in the United States are people of integrity, they are honest people and the tallies they present are honest tallies," Galvin said.
What to Know
- Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. in Massachusetts tomorrow; if you are in line by 8 p.m. you will be allowed to vote
- Massachusetts does not offer same-day voter registration
- State law requires political activity must cease within 150 feet of a polling location - that includes the attire you're wearing when you arrive at the polls
- Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 5 to be counted. They can also be returned to ballot dropboxes or local election offices, but they cannot be taken to a polling place to be counted on Election Day
- Ballots may be double sided and voters should make sure they have filled out there selections on both sides before turning them in
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Elections Commissioner Eneida Tavares also spoke during virtual media briefing to share updates on the city's election preparations.
As of Nov. 1, 20.8% of Boston's 438,000 registered voters have already cast a ballot, Tavares said. They are anticipating significant voter turnout on Election Day. The Election Department has a language assistant line that poll workers can call into for any voters who need help at their polling location, if no one at the location speaks the language.
Gov. Maura Healey will be in New Hampshire on Monday campaigning for Democratic governor's candidate Joyce Craig.