News Summary
The Boston Elections Department has mistakenly sent multiple ballots to some residents ahead of the preliminary elections. This error is being investigated following a voter complaint. Despite the confusion, the department assures measures are in place to prevent any voter from casting more than one ballot. Concerns have been raised about the department’s ability to manage the election process effectively, especially after past issues in previous elections. Residents are encouraged to double-check their vote-by-mail applications.
Boston – The Boston Elections Department has mistakenly issued multiple ballots to some residents who requested to vote early by mail in advance of the preliminary elections scheduled for September 9. This error, which affects a limited number of voters, is currently under investigation by the Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin’s office in collaboration with the city’s Elections Department.
The issue came to light after a complaint was filed by a voter who reported receiving two ballots. In response, Secretary Galvin’s office has initiated an inquiry to determine the source of the confusion. Galvin’s spokesperson, Debra O’Malley, stated that this situation appears to be isolated, impacting only a small fraction of mailed ballots.
The Boston Elections Department has confirmed that the error was due to a clerical mistake involving ballots that were mailed out on the same day. They are actively sending ballots to voters who have submitted applications for vote-by-mail options. Despite the multiple ballots being sent in error, the department assures residents that measures are in place to prevent any voter from casting more than one ballot in the upcoming elections.
O’Malley reassured the public that once a ballot is accepted, that voter cannot submit another. Each voter is only permitted one ballot, and any additional ballots that are returned will be discarded upon receipt. The department maintains a voter list that tracks who has voted, ensuring that once a vote is recorded, any attempts to vote again—whether by mail or in-person—are blocked.
This mishap has raised concerns about the Boston Elections Department’s ability to manage the election process effectively. The department is already under state receivership due to previous election-related issues. Last year, significant complications arose when multiple polling places in Boston ran out of ballots during the presidential election, which led to lengthy delays and criticism by state officials regarding the city’s election management.
Josh Kraft, the main challenger to current Mayor Michelle Wu in the upcoming election, has expressed grave concerns regarding the city’s capability to handle the anticipated voting process. He suggested that the Secretary of State should increase oversight to ensure a smooth election cycle.
The Boston Elections Department has reiterated its commitment to not accept more than one ballot per voter and has implemented strict controls to manage the ballot acceptance process according to the voter lists. This list is updated immediately to reflect each voter’s status, ensuring that if a ballot is cast by mail or in person, this is recorded promptly.
In scenarios where a voter submits both a mail-in ballot and votes in person before their mail-in ballot is counted, the mail-in ballot will be rendered void. This system is crucial, especially as voters prepare for the preliminary elections that will include key positions for mayor and various city council district and at-large seats.
The upcoming City Council elections hold significant implications for the November municipal election. Notably, District 7 is currently vacant following the recent federal corruption charges against former Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, adding another layer of complexity to the elections.
Residents of Boston are encouraged to ensure they have submitted their vote-by-mail applications correctly to avoid any complications during the voting process. The Elections Department continues to work diligently to address the current errors and maintain the integrity of the vote in the lead-up to this crucial election.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Double Ballots Sent by Elections Department
- Dorchester Reporter: Elections Update on Early Voting
- NBC Boston: Report on Boston 2024 Election Problems
- CBS News: Boston Polls Run Out of Ballots
- AP News: Investigation into Boston Election Ballots
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.
