Boston, October 27, 2025
News Summary
In-person early voting for Boston’s municipal election is underway, running from October 25 to October 31. Voters will participate in the general municipal election on November 4, impacting the city’s mayoral position and the City Council composition. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running unopposed. Registered voters can cast their ballots at various early voting locations, including City Hall. Important upcoming deadlines include the vote-by-mail application due on October 28 and absentee voting available until November 3. City officials are actively recruiting poll workers ahead of election day.
Boston — In-person early voting for Boston’s municipal election began on October 25 and will continue until October 31. Voters will cast ballots in a general municipal election on November 4 that will determine the city’s mayor and the composition of the 13-member City Council. Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running unopposed after Josh Kraft withdrew from the election and Domingo DaRosa failed to qualify for the ballot.
What voters need to know now
The most immediate action for eligible voters is to use available early voting or mail options if they cannot attend polls on November 4. Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location, which includes City Hall and various neighborhood sites. Voters will select four City Council At-Large candidates and fill seven district City Council seats, with only District 3 and 8 councilors running unopposed.
The general municipal election will take place on November 4, where voters will decide on the mayoral race and the composition of the 13-member City Council. On election day, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Deadlines and ballot options
Voter registration closed ahead of the election; a deadline for voter registration for the election was October 25. Voters who prefer mail must note that the vote-by-mail application deadline is October 28 at 5 p.m. Mail ballots can be requested in several ways: Mail ballots can be requested in-person, online, or by mail, ensuring access for those unable to vote on election day.
Completed mail ballots should be returned promptly. Voters are advised that voters should mail their completed ballots by at least one week before election day or drop them off at any of the 22 drop boxes or at City Hall by 8 p.m. on November 4. For those needing to vote in person before election day, in-person absentee voting is available until November 3 at 5 p.m.
Ballot return and turnout
Heading into the final weekend before the election, more than 11,000 ballots had been returned from a pool of requests. More than 11,000 ballots from 52,000 mail-in and absentee requests had been returned leading into the weekend prior to the election. City officials continue to monitor returns and staffing needs ahead of November 4.
Poll workers and accessibility
City officials are seeking additional poll workers to staff early voting sites and election day precincts. City officials are actively seeking poll workers, encouraging bilingual volunteers, and offering compensation of $160-200 plus training pay. The city provides information about accessibility and hours for each site and encourages residents to consult official resources for specifics.
Other campaign notes and resources
With the mayoral contest uncontested, some races could receive increased attention. Former Mayor Ray Flynn endorsed City Council At-Large candidate Frank Baker, highlighting Baker’s priorities for senior tax credits and elderly housing. Flynn also characterized Baker in a way that emphasized local quality-of-life priorities. Voters looking for polling locations, sample ballots, and comprehensive voting details should consult the city’s published voter resources. Voters can find their polling locations and sample ballots on the city’s dedicated election page.
How to check polling place and sample ballot
Use the city’s election resources to locate sample ballots and confirm your assigned polling site for November 4. If you are unsure about deadlines or collection points, consult the list of early voting locations, drop boxes, and City Hall hours before leaving to vote.
FAQ
When did in-person early voting start and end?
In-person early voting for Boston’s municipal election began on October 25 and will continue until October 31.
When is the general municipal election?
The general municipal election will take place on November 4, where voters will decide on the mayoral race and the composition of the 13-member City Council.
Is the mayoral race contested?
Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running unopposed after Josh Kraft withdrew from the election and Domingo DaRosa failed to qualify for the ballot.
How many City Council seats are available?
Voters will select four City Council At-Large candidates and fill seven district City Council seats, with only District 3 and 8 councilors running unopposed.
Where can I vote early?
Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location, which includes City Hall and various neighborhood sites.
When was the voter registration deadline?
A deadline for voter registration for the election was October 25.
What is the vote-by-mail application deadline?
The vote-by-mail application deadline is October 28 at 5 p.m.
How can I request a mail ballot?
Mail ballots can be requested in-person, online, or by mail, ensuring access for those unable to vote on election day.
How and when can I return my mailed ballot?
Voters should mail their completed ballots by at least one week before election day or drop them off at any of the 22 drop boxes or at City Hall by 8 p.m. on November 4.
Is in-person absentee voting available?
In-person absentee voting is available until November 3 at 5 p.m.
How many mail-in and absentee ballots had been returned?
More than 11,000 ballots from 52,000 mail-in and absentee requests had been returned leading into the weekend prior to the election.
What are polling hours on election day?
On election day, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Where can I find polling locations and sample ballots?
Voters can find their polling locations and sample ballots on the city’s dedicated election page.
Are officials seeking poll workers?
City officials are actively seeking poll workers, encouraging bilingual volunteers, and offering compensation of $160-200 plus training pay.
Did any former officials make endorsements?
Former Mayor Ray Flynn endorsed City Council At-Large candidate Frank Baker, highlighting Baker’s priorities for senior tax credits and elderly housing.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Early voting dates | In-person early voting for Boston’s municipal election began on October 25 and will continue until October 31. |
| Election day | November 4 — On election day, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. |
| Mayoral status | Incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu is running unopposed after Josh Kraft withdrew from the election and Domingo DaRosa failed to qualify for the ballot. |
| City Council | Voters will select four City Council At-Large candidates and fill seven district City Council seats, with only District 3 and 8 councilors running unopposed. |
| Voter registration deadline | A deadline for voter registration for the election was October 25. |
| Vote-by-mail application deadline | The vote-by-mail application deadline is October 28 at 5 p.m. |
| In-person absentee | In-person absentee voting is available until November 3 at 5 p.m. |
| Mail ballot returns | More than 11,000 ballots from 52,000 mail-in and absentee requests had been returned leading into the weekend prior to the election. |
| Ballot return options | Voters should mail their completed ballots by at least one week before election day or drop them off at any of the 22 drop boxes or at City Hall by 8 p.m. on November 4. |
| Poll worker pay | City officials are actively seeking poll workers, encouraging bilingual volunteers, and offering compensation of $160-200 plus training pay. |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald
- Boston.com
- MassLive
- Google Search: Boston 2025 municipal election
- Wikipedia: Elections in Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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