Boston, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Boston is gearing up for the Preliminary Municipal Election on September 9, which will narrow down the mayoral candidates to two finalists. Key deadlines for voter registration and early voting are set to ensure access and timely ballot counting. The city is implementing various measures to facilitate a smooth voting process, including mail-in ballots and accessible voting systems. All eyes will be on the candidates, including incumbent Michelle Wu and her challengers, as voters head to the polls.
Boston
Boston is preparing for the Preliminary Municipal Election on September 9, which will narrow the field of mayoral candidates to two finalists and determine the leading choices for District City Councilor and At-Large City Councilors. Key voter deadlines and early voting opportunities are set to ensure ballots are cast and counted in a timely, accessible manner.
What voters need to know now
The registration deadline for new voters is August 30. New registrations can be completed in-person at municipal offices until 5:00 p.m., online until 11:59 p.m. on August 30, or by mailing a registration application that is postmarked the same day. Early voting opens on August 30 and runs through September 5, with a pause on Labor Day, September 1. City Hall will serve as the main hub for early voting and will offer extended hours to accommodate more voters. Detailed early voting times and locations are available from the Election Department.
Voting by mail and accessible voting
Applications for mail-in ballots are due by September 2. Ballots may be requested online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s ballot request system or by visiting the City’s Election Department in person. Accessible options include an Accessible Electronic Voting System for voters with disabilities. There is a Tuesday deadline for applying for accessible ballots; voters seeking these accommodations should consult the Election Department for specific procedures and exact deadlines.
Polling places, technology, and accessibility
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The city will operate 275 precincts using electronic Poll Pads to facilitate check-in and registration verification. Polling locations will offer AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals and language interpretation options to improve accessibility for voters with disabilities and voters who prefer languages other than English. Early ballots will begin processing prior to election night and will enter the central tabulation system so that counting can proceed promptly after polls close.
Media, exit polling, and results
Media presence at polling places will be regulated to protect voter privacy and maintain orderly access. Press crews must maintain distance from voting activity and are prohibited from photographing marked ballots. Exit polling is allowed but must be conducted at least 150 feet away from building entrances to avoid obstructing voter access. Unofficial election results, including early and mail-in votes, will begin to be released after polls close at 8:00 p.m. on September 9.
Candidates and next steps
The preliminary ballot for mayor includes incumbent Michelle Wu and challengers Josh Kraft, Robert Cappucci, and Domingos Darosa. The top two vote-getters in the preliminary will advance to the general election, which is scheduled for November 4. Voter registration for the general election remains open until October 25, and early voting for the general election will run from October 25 to October 31.
How the process supports timely counting and accessibility
Early ballot processing and entry into central tabulation are designed to speed result reporting on election night. The combination of in-person early voting, expanded City Hall hours, mail-in ballot options, accessible electronic systems, and technology at polling places aims to provide multiple ways for voters to participate while maintaining security and privacy during voting and counting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Preliminary Municipal Election?
The Preliminary Municipal Election is on September 9.
When can I register to vote?
New voter registration must be completed by August 30. You can register in-person until 5:00 p.m., online until 11:59 p.m., or by mailing a registration application that is postmarked on August 30.
What are the early voting dates and hours?
Early voting runs from August 30 through September 5, with a pause on Labor Day (September 1). City Hall will act as the main early voting hub with extended hours; individual locations and exact times vary by site.
How do I request a mail-in ballot?
Mail-in ballot applications are due by September 2. Requests can be made online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s ballot request system or in person at the City’s Election Department.
What accessibility options are available?
Accessible voting includes an Accessible Electronic Voting System, AutoMark terminals at polling places, and language interpretation where available. There is a Tuesday deadline for applying for accessible ballots; check with the Election Department for details.
When and how will results be reported?
Unofficial results, which include early and mail-in ballots, will begin to be released after polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Early ballots are processed and entered into central tabulation in advance to help ensure timely reporting.
What are the rules for media and exit polling?
Media crews must maintain a distance from voting activity and may not photograph marked ballots. Exit polling is permitted but must be conducted at least 150 feet from building entrances.
Quick Reference: Key Dates and Information
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Election Day | September 9 — polls open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Voter Registration Deadline (Preliminary) | August 30 — in-person until 5:00 p.m.; online until 11:59 p.m.; mail postmarked same day |
| Early Voting | August 30 – September 5 (pause on September 1); City Hall main hub with extended hours |
| Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline | September 2 |
| Accessible Ballot Application | Accessible Electronic Voting System available; there is a Tuesday deadline to apply—check the Election Department |
| Polling Technology | AutoMark terminals, Poll Pads for check-in, language interpretation options |
| Number of Precincts | 275 precincts |
| Election Night Results | Unofficial results released after polls close at 8:00 p.m. |
| General Election | November 4 — voter registration open through October 25; early voting October 25–31 |
| Mayoral Candidates on Preliminary Ballot | Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, Robert Cappucci, Domingos Darosa |
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: Boston 2025 Mayoral Preliminary Early Voting
- NBC Boston: Voters to Narrow Mayoral Candidates
- MassLive: How to Register and Vote Early in Boston
- Google Search: Boston early voting 2025
- Wicked Local: Boston Mayoral Election Voting Day
- Wikipedia: Elections in Boston
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.
