Voting by Mail Information

In most elections in Massachusetts, voters can choose whether they would prefer to vote in person or by mail.

No-excuse early voting by mail is available in all state elections, state primaries, presidential primaries, and most local elections. These ballots are known as “Vote by Mail” ballots and can be requested using the Vote by Mail Application.

While early Vote by Mail ballots are more common, there are special circumstances where you may need to use the Absentee Ballot application to apply for an absentee ballot instead. Find more information about absentee ballot eligibility here.

Applying for your Ballot

To request your Vote by Mail ballot, you will need to submit a Vote by Mail application to the City Clerk's office:

• Online
• By mail to City Clerk's Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, 02472
• By email
• By fax: 617-972-6595

Vote by Mail applications can be submitted online through the Mail-in Ballot Application System.

If you prefer to use a paper application, a Vote by Mail applications can also be downloaded or printed here. Further, any written request with your signature is an acceptable application. You can simply write a signed letter to your local election office to apply for your ballot.

If you are voter filling out the Unenrolled Vote by Mail Application and you are NOT enrolled in a Party, you must select a Ballot type for the Primary elections on March 5, 2024 and September 3, 2024.

To receive a primary ballot by mail, you must choose a Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian ballot.

The application is incomplete and cannot be processed without a ballot selection and the voter’s signature.

Please call the City Clerk at 617-715-8686 for help answering your questions.

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or fax, but they must include a signature that can be compared to your hand-written signature. Electronic signatures, scanned applications, and photos of applications are acceptable.

Typed signatures on applications cannot be accepted, unless you are a voter who requires accommodations due to physical disability. If you are unable to sign your application or mark your ballot by hand due to a disability, visit our page about voting with disabilities for information on requesting an accommodation.

Absentee ballots can be requested in the same manner as early Vote by Mail ballots, using the Absentee Ballot application.

Application Deadlines

Any mail-in ballot must be requested in writing by 5 p.m. on the 5th business day before the election. Your application can only be accepted if it has reached your local election office by the deadline.

Apply as early as possible, especially if your ballot will need to be mailed out of town. The U.S. Postal Service recommends allowing up to 7 days for mail delivery. To ensure you receive your ballot with enough time to mail it back, you should apply 2-3 weeks before Election Day.

Military & Overseas Citizens Voting

Returning your Ballot

There are several options for returning your ballot. You may return your ballot by:

• Mailing it back using the envelope provided.
• Hand-delivering your ballot to the City Clerk's office located in City Hally, 149 Main Street.
• Dropping your ballot off at an early voting location during early voting hours
• Using a ballot drop box outside of City Hall on the Saltonstall Park side of the building.

Ballots cannot be dropped off at a polling place on Election Day.

Ballots must reach your local election office by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.

Use our Track My Ballot tool to check the status of your ballot. The tracker will show you the date your ballot was mailed, the date it was returned, and whether your ballot was accepted or rejected.

Questions?

Call the City Clerk at 617-715-8686 for help answering your questions.

In-Office Voting Hours: During Regular Business Hours OnlyI