Boston, October 23, 2025
News Summary
In-person early voting in Boston starts October 25 and runs through October 31, 2023, ahead of the general municipal election. While Mayor Michelle Wu faces no opposition, voters can select city council members in several contested districts. Voters can cast their ballots at any open polling location during early voting, but must go to their assigned location on Election Day, November 4. A total of 10 polling sites are available on the weekend of October 25 and 26.
Boston
In-person early voting in Boston begins on Saturday, October 25, and continues through Friday, October 31, for the general municipal election. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4. The mayoral contest will not appear as a competitive race, but voters will choose new and returning members of the City Council and district councils in several contested districts.
Key facts up front
- Mayor Michelle Wu will be the only candidate on the ballot for the mayoral position.
- Voters will have an opportunity to select new city councilors despite Wu being unopposed.
- Voters can vote at any open polling location during early voting; on Election Day, they must go to their assigned polling location.
- There are 10 polling locations available on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- October 25 is the last day to register to vote in the November 4 election.
- If voters requested a mail-in ballot, it can be returned by mail or dropped in one of the city’s drop boxes.
- Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 4.
- Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28.
Early voting schedule and locations
Weekend early voting is concentrated on October 25 and 26, with sites open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are 10 polling locations available on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The locations for early voting on October 25 and 26 include:
- Mildred Avenue Community Center (Mattapan)
- James F. Condon Elementary School (South Boston)
- Richard J. Murphy School (Dorchester)
- Margarita Muniz Academy (Jamaica Plain)
- Another Course to College (Hyde Park)
- Roche Community Center (West Roxbury)
- Shelburne Community Center (Roxbury)
- Boston Architectural College (Fenway)
- Jackson Mann School (Allston)
- Harvard/Kent School (Charlestown)
Weekday early voting takes place primarily in the Haymarket Room at City Hall, with extended hours at select community centers on certain days:
- Monday, October 27: Haymarket Room at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 28: Haymarket Room at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Paris Street Community Center (East Boston), Perkins Community Center (Dorchester), and Quincy Community Center (Chinatown) open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 29: Haymarket Room at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, October 30: Haymarket Room at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tobin Community Center (Mission Hill), Florian Hall (Dorchester), and Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church (Roslindale) open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, October 31: Haymarket Room at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last day for in-person early voting).
Voter registration and mail-in ballots
October 25 is the last day to register to vote in the November 4 election. Voters can register in person at City Hall by 5 p.m. on October 25. Online registration must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on October 25. Mailed registration forms must be postmarked by October 25.
If voters requested a mail-in ballot, it can be returned by mail or dropped in one of the city’s drop boxes. Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 4. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28.
Who is running
Josh Kraft, the top opponent to Mayor Wu, has dropped out of the race, leaving Wu unchallenged for mayor. Eight candidates are competing for city councilor-at-large positions, with four to be elected to the City Council. Incumbent councilors Erin Murphy, Henry Santana, Ruthzee Louijeune, and Julia Mejia are running for reelection.
John Fitzgerald (District 3) and Sharon Durkan (District 8) are both running unopposed. Voters in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 will have two candidates to choose from for their respective district councils.
How to get more information
For further information, voters are directed to visit the city’s election website and the state Elections Department webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does early voting begin and end in Boston?
In-person early voting in Boston begins on Saturday, October 25, and continues through Friday, October 31, for the general municipal election.
When is Election Day?
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4.
Who is on the mayoral ballot?
Mayor Michelle Wu will be the only candidate on the ballot for the mayoral position.
Can I vote on any early voting site?
Voters can vote at any open polling location during early voting; on Election Day, they must go to their assigned polling location.
How many polling locations are open the first weekend and when?
There are 10 polling locations available on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What are the early voting locations on October 25 and 26?
The locations for early voting on October 25 and 26 include: Mildred Avenue Community Center (Mattapan); James F. Condon Elementary School (South Boston); Richard J. Murphy School (Dorchester); Margarita Muniz Academy (Jamaica Plain); Another Course to College (Hyde Park); Roche Community Center (West Roxbury); Shelburne Community Center (Roxbury); Boston Architectural College (Fenway); Jackson Mann School (Allston); Harvard/Kent School (Charlestown).
When is the last day to register to vote?
October 25 is the last day to register to vote in the November 4 election.
What are the deadlines for mail-in ballots?
If voters requested a mail-in ballot, it can be returned by mail or dropped in one of the city’s drop boxes. Mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 4. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28.
Who is running for City Council and which districts are uncontested?
Josh Kraft, the top opponent to Mayor Wu, has dropped out of the race, leaving Wu unchallenged for mayor. Eight candidates are competing for city councilor-at-large positions, with four to be elected to the City Council. Incumbent councilors Erin Murphy, Henry Santana, Ruthzee Louijeune, and Julia Mejia are running for reelection. John Fitzgerald (District 3) and Sharon Durkan (District 8) are both running unopposed. Voters in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 will have two candidates to choose from for their respective district councils.
Where can I find more information?
For further information, voters are directed to visit the city’s election website and the state Elections Department webpage.
Quick reference table
| Date | Event | Locations / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25–26 | Early voting (weekend) | 10 locations open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (see list above) |
| Oct 27 | Early voting (Mon) | Haymarket Room at City Hall, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Oct 28 | Early voting (Tue) | Haymarket Room 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Paris Street, Perkins, Quincy centers 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; mail-in ballot applications due by 5 p.m. |
| Oct 29 | Early voting (Wed) | Haymarket Room at City Hall, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Oct 30 | Early voting (Thu) | Haymarket Room 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Tobin, Florian Hall, Saint Nectarios 12 p.m.–8 p.m. |
| Oct 31 | Early voting (Fri) | Haymarket Room at City Hall, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last day) |
| Oct 25 | Registration deadline | In person at City Hall by 5 p.m.; online by 11:59 p.m.; mailed forms postmarked by Oct 25 |
| Nov 4 | Election Day | Assigned polling location; mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Early Voting in Boston Starts Saturday
- Wikipedia: Early Voting
- Dot News: Early Voting City Election Starts
- Google Search: Boston Election 2025
- Cape Cod Times: Is Your MA Town Holding an Election?
- Google Scholar: Boston Elections
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Preliminary Early Voting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Boston Herald: Embattled Boston Elections Department
- Google News: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
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