City of Boston Announces Preparations for September 8, 2016 Primaries

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - Today, the City of Boston Election Department released plans for the State Primaries, taking place on Thursday, September 8, 2016. The polls in Boston will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. To find your voting location, please visit here and check your voter registration status. All absentee ballot applications must be in the possession of the Elections Department by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.

This year's State Primaries also coincide with the opening of Boston Public Schools. To help guide voter traffic, the Election Department will provide additional staff at Boston Public School locations that are voting sites. Voters who will cast their ballot in schools are asked in advance for their patience and cooperation.  

Ballots have been printed for Boston's 396,246 registered voters; which includes 210,752 in the Democratic Party, 25,626 in the Republican Party, 2,062 in the United Independent Party, and 564 in the Green-Rainbow Party. Boston's 157,242 voters who are not enrolled in any political party (unenrolled are often referred to as Independents) may choose one party's ballot to vote with on September 8, 2016.  All polling places will be equipped with an Automark machine, which assists voters with sensory and physical limitations in marking their ballots; this device also provides translation assistance.

The following languages will be available at the polls and through a central translator telephone bank:

• Spanish
• Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese dialects)
• Vietnamese
• Haitian Creole
• Cape Verdean Creole
• Russian

The department has recruited and trained more than 1,600 poll workers to staff more than 170 polling locations, covering approximately 255 precincts. From answering calls from residents, to working the polling locations, to counting ballots, poll workers play a vital role in the success of Election Day.

To help boost civic engagement, residents are encouraged to use hashtag #BostonVotes on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, with photos of "I voted" stickers.

Election results will be posted online at boston.gov after the polls close at 8:00 P.M. Updates on turnout will be provided periodically via Twitter:@BostonElections, and the City of Boston Elections Department's Facebook account.

Please use the Election Department's website to receive additional information regarding the election; registered voters are able to use the site to locate polling locations.

Media Guidelines

Members of the media are reminded that certain rules must be followed in order to ensure a smooth voting process for voters.

• Interviews of voters are not allowed inside polling locations and must be done at least 150 feet away.
• Interviews with election officers at the polling locations are not allowed. Interview requests for the Election Department must be directed through the Press Office at (617) 635-4461.
• Photos and b-roll shots will be allowed under the supervision of each poll's warden.
• Photographers are reminded that zooming in on voter ballots and shots over the shoulders of voters will not be allowed - please respect every voter's right to a private ballot.
• The City of Boston Election Department will also be available for b-roll shots starting at 7:30 AM.
• Results will be posted online at boston.gov after the polls close at 8:00 PM.
• Updates will be provided periodically via our Facebook and twitter account: @BostonElections
• Please do not call the Election Department for results: you will be referred to the website.