Massachusetts Secretary of State warns against mailing primary ballots

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin is urging voters who have not yet returned their mail-in ballots for the upcoming Sept. 1 primary election to avoid using the postal service. Galvin warned that it is “too late” to ensure ballots reach local election offices by the 8 p.m. deadline on Tuesday. Instead, he recommended that voters use official drop boxes or vote in person.

As of Thursday, state data indicated that more than 468,000 early votes had been cast, representing approximately 9% turnout. Galvin projected a higher turnout than the 2022 midterms, estimating roughly 800,000 Democratic ballots and 280,000 Republican ballots will be cast this year.

Galvin also addressed national efforts to restrict mail-in voting, stating that such movements would not impact the upcoming state primary and expressing doubt regarding the quick implementation of federal restrictions before the November general election.