Boston, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Boston voters are gearing up for an important preliminary election, featuring races for mayor, at-large city councilors, and district councilors. With early voting underway at City Hall and major concerns about low turnout, city leaders are emphasizing the necessity for all community members, especially voters of color, to participate. Recent issues such as ballot shortages and official audits highlight the urgency in enhancing the city’s voting systems. As Election Day approaches, the potential impact on local policy and governance strategies has never been more critical.
Boston. Voters in Boston will cast ballots in a crucial preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2024, with races for mayor, at-large city councilors, and district councilors at stake. The election comes amid concerns about historically low turnout in off-year contests, recent ballot shortages that caused long waits, and official probes and audits aimed at strengthening the city’s voting systems.
Top-line details
The preliminary ballot includes the mayoral race, contests for at-large city council seats, and multiple district council races. Early voting is available at Boston City Hall through Friday, Sept. 5. On Election Day, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day; they may be dropped in one of 22 designated drop boxes or delivered to the Elections Department.
Why this election matters
City leaders and community groups are emphasizing the need for increased turnout, especially from voters of color, to determine local policy direction on issues such as municipal authority and immigrant rights. Off-year turnout in Boston has been low in recent cycles, with only about 20% of registered voters participating in the last comparable election. Higher participation could influence which candidates advance from the preliminary to the general election.
Ballot shortages and official action
Ballot shortages and resulting long waits at some polling places in previous elections raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement. The Massachusetts Secretary of State has opened an investigation into prior ballot shortages and criticized the city for inadequate supplies and poor communication with poll workers. In response to the delays, the Boston Election Commission is conducting a full audit after the election to identify problems and recommend improvements to the voting process.
Mayoral race snapshot
Four candidates appear on the preliminary mayoral ballot. Incumbent Michelle Wu is seeking reelection after winning her first term on a progressive platform. Challenger Joshua Kraft is a first-time candidate who has mounted a well-funded campaign. Bob Cappucci is running with a focus on public safety and is presenting himself as a law-and-order option. Domingos DaRosa has previously run for an at-large council seat and is again seeking citywide office.
City council overview
The at-large city council race features ten candidates, including four incumbents seeking reelection: Ruthzee Louijeune (current council president), Julia Mejia, Henry Santana, and Erin Murphy. They face six challengers competing for the limited at-large slots.
District contests include an unusually large field for the District 7 seat, with eleven candidates vying to replace the seat vacated after a resignation linked to federal corruption charges. In District 5, incumbent Enrique Pepén faces two challengers: Sharon Hinton and Winston Pierre.
Voter access and practical information
Early voting at Boston City Hall provides an opportunity to avoid potential Election Day lines. Absentee voters should ensure ballots are returned to an official drop box or the Elections Department before the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline. Designated polling places will open at 7 a.m. on Sept. 9 and close at 8 p.m.
Election integrity and next steps
Officials at the state and city levels are taking steps to address the issues that affected prior elections. The state-level investigation focuses on how ballot supplies and communications were handled, while the Boston Election Commission’s audit is aimed at operational fixes and recommendations to prevent future disruptions. Campaign activity in the city has increased noticeably, with more potential candidates showing interest than in past cycles.
What to watch after the preliminary
- Which mayoral and council candidates advance to the general election.
- The outcome of the state investigation into ballot shortages and the Election Commission’s audit findings.
- Whether turnout rates — particularly among communities of color and immigrant voters — improve compared with past off-year contests.
Background context
Off-year municipal elections typically see lower participation than presidential or midterm years. Local advocates argue that higher participation is essential for selecting leaders who will defend local autonomy and ensure procedural protections for all residents. The current election cycle is being framed by some as a turning point where voter mobilization could shape the city’s policy direction and governance priorities for the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Boston preliminary election?
The preliminary election is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2024. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where and when can I vote early?
Early voting is available at Boston City Hall through Friday, Sept. 5. Check local election materials for specific hours.
How do I return an absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. They may be placed in one of 22 official drop boxes or returned to the Elections Department office.
Which races are on the preliminary ballot?
The ballot includes the mayoral contest, at-large city council seats, and district council races, including an 11-candidate field for District 7.
Who are the mayoral candidates?
Four candidates are on the preliminary mayoral ballot: Michelle Wu, Joshua Kraft, Bob Cappucci, and Domingos DaRosa.
What is being done about prior ballot shortages?
The Massachusetts Secretary of State has opened an investigation into past shortages, and the Boston Election Commission is conducting a full audit to recommend operational improvements.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Election date | Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2024 |
| Early voting | At Boston City Hall through Friday, Sept. 5 |
| Election Day hours | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at designated polling places |
| Absentee ballot return | Return by 8 p.m. on Election Day to 22 drop boxes or the Elections Department |
| Races on the preliminary ballot | Mayor, at-large city councilors, district councilors |
| Mayoral candidates | Michelle Wu; Joshua Kraft; Bob Cappucci; Domingos DaRosa |
| At-large incumbents | Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia, Henry Santana, Erin Murphy |
| District 7 | Vacant seat with 11 candidates contesting |
| Oversight actions | State investigation into ballot shortages; Boston Election Commission audit planned |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: City Council Candidates in Boston Preliminary Election
- Boston Herald: 2025 Boston Election Cycle Candidates
- CBS News: Boston Ballot Shortage Investigation
- Dorchester Reporter: New Candidates Seek Council Seats
- Boston Globe: Boston Municipal Election 2025 Voter Guide
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.
