Four polling places were moved for COVID-19 safety; one to address resident feedback

Five of Somerville’s polling places have been relocated for the September 1 and November 3 elections. Four were moved into locations where COVID-19 safety measures could be better put in place and a fifth – formerly at the Kennedy School – was moved in response to resident feedback. If you plan to vote in person on either of the upcoming election days don’t forget to double check your polling location.

The new polling locations are as follows:

• Ward 3 Precinct 1

  • New Location: Central Library (79 Highland Ave.)

  • Former Location: Properzi Manor

• Ward 3 Precinct 3

  • New Location: The gym at St.Catherine of Genoa Parish (179 Summer St.)

  • Former Location: The Dante Club

• Ward 6 Precinct 1

  • New Location: George Dilboy Post (351 Summer St.)

  • Former Location: John F. Kennedy School

• Ward 6 Precinct 3

  • New Location: West Somerville Neighborhood School, main entrance (177 Powder House Blvd.)

  • Former Location: Holy Bible Baptist Church

• Ward 7 Precinct 3

  • New location: West Somerville Neighborhood School, Raymond Ave. entrance (177 Powder House Blvd.) 

  • Former Location: Visiting Nurse Association at 405 Alewife Brook Pkwy.

You can look up your polling location by visiting www.somervillema.gov/mysomerville and entering your address. You can also call 311 for assistance.

Vote by Mail, Early Voting, and Other Important Elections Dates

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Massachusetts voters will be able to vote by mail in both the September 1 State primary and the November 3 general election this year. Earlier this month the Secretary of State mailed all eligible voters (who have not already requested an absentee ballot) a vote by mail ballot application. Voters can use that application to request a ballot for the primary election, general election, or both.

Applications for a September 1 primary election ballot must be returned to the City of Somerville Elections Department by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. However, we encourage you to return your ballot application to the Somerville Elections Department as quickly as possible.  The Elections Department has begun sending ballots out to those who have applied and you can track your ballot using the State’s ballot tracker. A status of “pending” means the Elections Department has received your application but not sent a ballot yet; a status of “not returned” means your ballot has been mailed out but not yet returned to Elections.

If you are not registered to vote, or need to update your address or party affiliation, you have until 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, to do so. Visit www.somervillema.gov/elections to learn more about your options for registering. Anyone who registers to vote between July 1 and August 22 will be sent a vote by mail ballot application with their registration acknowledgment notice.

Voters also have the option of casting their ballot in person during seven days of early voting ahead of the Tuesday, September 1, primary election. All early voting will take place at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., and the schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, August 22, 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

• Sunday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Monday, August 24, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, August 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, August 26, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday, August 27, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, August 28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

By taking advantage of early voting, anyone wishing to vote in-person can help spread out crowds over the week, which will help with social distancing. If you have questions about early voting, please email elections@somervillema.gov or call the Elections Department via 311. 

Visit www.somervillema.gov/elections for more voting information or call 311 to connect with the Elections Department.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.