For the first time, Massachusetts residents will be able to vote before Election Day.
Starting Monday and continuing through November 4th people can vote at designated polling places – usually at city or town hall – rather than wait until November 8th.
Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin said unlike requesting an absentee ballot, people do not need to state a reason to vote early.
"Once you have voted in early voting, you are done. You can not change your mind. So, it is for people who know what they want to do," Galvin said.
The ballots that are cast during early voting will be held and counted after the polls close on Nov. 8th.
Advocates expect about 15 percent of the state’s voters will take advantage of early voting and that will decrease lines at polling places on Election Day.
Times and locations for early voting in each Massachusetts city and town can be found at:
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx