Boston, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Boston is gearing up for its preliminary mayoral election on September 9, providing early voting opportunities from August 30-31 and September 2-5. Voters can cast their ballots in-person or via mail, with a deadline to request mail-in ballots by September 2. Incumbent Michelle Wu is set to face challengers Josh Kraft, Domingos Darosa, and Robert Cappucci. Election officials expect a turnout of approximately 75,000 voters, emphasizing the importance of participation in this crucial election.
Boston
Preliminary mayoral election set for September 9; early voting and mail ballots available
Boston will hold its preliminary mayoral election on September 9, with in-person voting open citywide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting is available for residents during two brief periods: August 30–31 and September 2–5. Voters who prefer to vote by mail must request a mail-in ballot by September 2. A full list of polling locations is available on the city’s elections website.
Who is running and what is expected
Four candidates are on the preliminary ballot for mayor: incumbent Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, Domingos Darosa, and Robert Cappucci. Political analysis points to a likely runoff between Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft in the November general election, with Kraft needing to narrow an existing gap to advance. Campaign forums and events continue through early September, including a head-to-head forum featuring Wu and Kraft on September 3.
Turnout and voter registration
Analysts and former city officials expect stronger turnout than some past city preliminaries, helped by competitive city council races. A longtime local political figure has estimated turnout could reach about 75,000 voters, underscoring the importance of each vote in selecting the two candidates who will move to the November ballot. The last day to register for the preliminary election is August 30. For the general election, the voter registration deadline is October 25, and early voting for the general election runs October 25–31. The general election is scheduled for November 4.
Election oversight and previous problems addressed
The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is overseeing this election to help prevent repeat problems from the November 2024 cycle. State election officials have reviewed past issues that included delayed ballot distribution and communication failures and report measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of similar problems. The Boston Elections Department remains under scrutiny after recent errors, including instances where some households received multiple ballots. State investigators are examining the source of those distribution errors; officials say the issue affects a limited number of ballots but requires follow-up.
How to vote and where to find information
Voters can cast ballots in person on September 9 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., use early voting during the specified dates, or request a mail ballot before the September 2 deadline. Polling places are assigned by address and listed on the city’s official elections webpage. Voters who receive multiple ballots or who encounter other problems on Election Day are advised to contact election officials for instructions and to follow posted procedures at polling places to ensure votes are counted properly.
Concerns and preparations
City and state officials say they are monitoring logistics and communication channels closely after last year’s disruptions. Preparations for staffing, ballot delivery, and polling site readiness have been emphasized by overseers to avoid delays and confusion. With a crowded field for several city council seats and an active mayoral contest, officials expect higher turnout and say they are mobilizing resources accordingly.
Key dates at a glance
- August 30 — Last day to register for the preliminary election
- August 30–31 — Early voting window
- September 2–5 — Early voting window (continued)
- September 2 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot
- September 3 — Mayoral forum with Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft
- September 9 — Preliminary election, in-person voting 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
- October 25 — Registration deadline for the general election; start of general early voting
- October 25–31 — Early voting for the general election
- November 4 — General election
FAQ
How can I vote in the September 9 preliminary election?
You can vote in person on September 9 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., vote early during the designated early voting windows, or request and return a mail-in ballot by the September 2 deadline.
When is early voting available?
Early voting for the preliminary is available August 30–31 and September 2–5. General election early voting is scheduled October 25–31.
How do I request a mail-in ballot?
Mail-in ballots must be requested by September 2 for the preliminary election. Requests are handled through the city’s elections office; follow local instructions to request and return a completed ballot so it arrives by required deadlines.
Where do I find my polling place?
Polling locations are listed on the city’s official elections website and are assigned by voter address. Check the list ahead of Election Day to confirm your assigned polling place.
What should I do if I receive multiple ballots?
If you receive more than one ballot or notice other distribution errors, contact election officials promptly for guidance and do not cast multiple ballots. State investigators are reviewing reported cases and will provide instructions for affected voters.
Who is overseeing the election?
The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is overseeing this election in coordination with the Boston Elections Department to help prevent problems experienced in the previous cycle.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Election Date | September 9 — In-person voting 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Preliminary Early Voting | August 30–31 and September 2–5 |
| Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline | September 2 |
| Registration Deadline (Preliminary) | August 30 |
| General Election Date | November 4 |
| Registration Deadline (General) | October 25 |
| General Early Voting | October 25–31 |
| Mayoral Candidates (Preliminary) | Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, Domingos Darosa, Robert Cappucci |
| Notable Forum | September 3 — Forum featuring Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft |
| Estimated Turnout | Approximately 75,000 (estimate) |
| Oversight | Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth overseeing election processes |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Boston Voters Will Narrow Mayoral Candidate Field
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Election Dates
- Wicked Local: Boston Mayor Election – Voting Day is Coming Up
- CBS News: Boston Polls Run Out of Ballots
- Dorchester Reporter: Election Update – Early Voting Locations Approved
- Wikipedia: Boston
- Google Search: Boston 2025 Mayoral Election
- Google Scholar: Boston Mayoral Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mayoral Election
- Google News: Boston Mayor Election
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
