Boston Prepares for Preliminary Municipal Election

Boston

Preliminary Municipal Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The preliminary election will determine the top two candidates for Mayor, the top two candidates in each applicable District City Councilor race, and the top eight candidates for At-Large City Councilor. Early in-person voting, absentee options, ballot return rules, and polling logistics have been announced to ensure voter access and efficient processing.

Key outcomes and polling

A recent poll shows Mayor Michelle Wu leading challenger Josh Kraft with 72% support to Kraft’s 22%. Since February, Wu’s support has increased by 29 percentage points while Kraft’s support has decreased by 7 points. Wu holds a 66% approval rating among Boston voters. Majorities back her decision to maintain the city’s sanctuary policies, and voters broadly oppose a proposed deployment of National Guard troops to the city. Public sentiment on community safety is mixed, with 45% saying their community is safer than four years ago. Opinions are improving toward Boston Public Schools, with 54% saying schools are headed in the right direction.

Voting dates, times, and locations

In-person early voting is available through Friday, September 5, 2025. The primary early voting site is Boston City Hall, open on Wednesday, September 3 and Friday, September 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional neighborhood early voting locations will be open on Thursday, September 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registered Boston voters may vote at any early voting location in the city without needing an excuse.

On Election Day, polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All 275 precincts will use electronic check-in devices called Poll Pads to speed up the process. Ballots will be available in multiple languages and all locations are wheelchair accessible. The Accessible Electronic Voting System is available for voters who cannot mark ballots independently; application deadlines vary by option.

Absentee and mail-in voting rules

Absentee voting is available for those unable to vote in person on Election Day because of absence, physical disability, or religious observance. The in-person absentee voting deadline is Monday, September 8 at 12:00 p.m. Voters who receive mail-in ballots are encouraged to return them by U.S. Mail at least one week before Election Day or use one of the 22 secure drop boxes across the city.

Ballot packages must be received by the Boston Election Department by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Ballots cannot be returned to polling locations on Election Day but may be submitted to drop boxes or delivered in person to the Election Department in City Hall until the 8:00 p.m. deadline. Voters can track their ballots through the state’s ballot tracking system and are advised to vote in person if tracking shows no movement of a mailed ballot.

Ballot processing and results

Preliminary Municipal Election ballot processing will begin on September 1. Only ballots turned in before September 5 will be processed at City Hall ahead of Election Day. Unofficial results will be uploaded on the night of the election after polls close at 8:00 p.m. Initial night returns will not include mail-in and absentee ballots received after that upload; those ballots will be counted and reported later according to standard procedures.

Campaign finance and campaign dynamics

Campaign fundraising has been notable in this race. The challenger has raised over $3.3 million while the incumbent has raised around $1.9 million. Campaigns have become more contentious, with public debate focusing on housing, public safety, and education. Voter attitudes on local issues vary: views are split on bike lanes, there is support for redevelopment of White Stadium, and there is broad support for a Boston-based WNBA team.

Accessibility and voter support services

All early voting and Election Day sites will feature electronic poll books, interpreters, and accessibility features for voters with disabilities. The city has emphasized resources for voters who need language assistance or alternative voting technologies.

What voters should do

Voters should verify their polling location or choose an early voting site, return mail ballots well before Election Day or use a drop box, and monitor ballot tracking if a ballot was mailed. Voters needing absentee or accessible electronic voting services should consult the Election Department for application deadlines and instructions.

FAQ

Quick Reference Table