The Massachusetts State Primary and Massachusetts State Election are quickly approaching. Below is a roundup of voting resources and Boston Public Library election-related programs. Be an informed and empowered voter this 2026 election season.
Key Massachusetts Election Dates and Deadlines
State Primary on Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Voter Registration Deadline: August 22, 2026
- Vote by Mail Application Deadline: 5 pm, August 25, 2026
- Early Voting: August 22 – August 28, 2026
- Election Day Polling Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
State Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 24, 2026
- Vote by Mail Application Deadline: 5 pm, October 27, 2026
- Early Voting: October 17 - October 30, 2026
- Election Day Polling Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
State and Local Voting Information
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Elections Division
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts publishes information about voting and elections through the Massachusetts Elections Division. It has information about voting, including:
- Information about how to register to vote in Massachusetts, including online, by mail, or in person
- How to vote in a Primary
- 2026 Primary candidates
- Finding your voter registration status
- Tracking your 2026 mail-in ballot
- Accessibility options for voters with disabilities
City of Boston Election Department
This department directs all municipal, state, and federal elections within Boston. The Election Department registers voters, conducts an annual census, and educates the public on voting. It has information about voting, including:
- A comprehensive guide to voting in Boston, which includes polling locations, ID requirements, and more.
- How to register to vote
- Early voting in Boston
- How to vote by absentee ballot
- Voting by mail in Boston
Information on Races, Candidates, and Issues
Below is a roundup of resources to learn more about races, candidates, and ballot questions.
- Ballotpedia — This resource describes itself as an online encyclopedia of American politics and elections, with a goal to inform people about politics at all levels of government. They are committed to neutrality and objectivity; articles are written by their staff.
- Vote411 — Run by the National League of Women Voters, you can find information on all candidates running in your district.
- Local news outlets, for example:
- WBUR’s coverage of Massachusetts’ 2026 Election and ballot questions
- Boston Globe’s 2026 Election coverage
- GBH’s 2026 Election coverage
- Tip: You can likely find any news outlet’s election coverage by typing [news publication’s name] + [“Election 2026”] into Google.
- Did you know you can access digital newspapers and magazines such as The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise, The Lowell Sun, and many more for free with your BPL library card? Find the full list of newspapers accessible via the BPL.
Fact-Checking Websites and Resources
There is a lot of election information that is circulating in media, social media, and beyond. But how do we know if the information we are consuming is factual, accurate, and trustworthy? Below is a roundup of fact-checking resources and media literacy tools to help.
- Factcheck.org — FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate" for voters. It is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Politifact.com — PolitiFact aims to rate the truthfulness of statements made by candidates and pundits. It is owned by the nonprofit Poynter Institute.
- The S.I.F.T Method — Developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, the S.I.F.T Method is composed of four quick moves to help readers evaluate digital information.
Boston Public Library Events and Programs
The BPL will be offering programs and community conversations around the 2026 State Elections:
“Get Ready to Vote: Finding Reliable Sources and Fighting Misinformation this 2026 Election Season” Workshops
This workshop will explore credible resources and teach evaluation skills that will help patrons learn about election news and ballot information. This workshop will be offered the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, August 11, 2:30 pm–4:00 pm, Central Branch
- Tuesday, October 6, 2:30 pm–4:00 pm, Central Branch
- Wednesday, October 14, 10:30 am-12:00 pm, South Boston Branch
National Voter Registration Day with the City of Boston Election Department
In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, stop by the Boylston Street Building Lobby at the Central Library in Copley Square and meet representatives of the City of Boston Election Department. Eligible voters will be able to register to vote, check voter registration status, and learn important information about voting in Boston.
Living Room Conversations
In Living Room Conversations, participants take turns talking and listening to share and learn about the topic being discussed. Facilitated by library staff members, these conversations offer a simple, sociable, and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Topics include:
- Trustworthy Elections (Local): Tuesday, October 20, 4:00-5:30 pm, Central Branch
- Anxiety and Elections: Tuesday, October 27, 4:00-5:30 pm, Central Branch
The Boston Public Library doesn’t endorse political candidates.
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