Voting by Mail

Massachusetts voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required. To request your Vote by Mail ballot, submit a signed application to your local election office. A New Application is required each Calendar Year!

In addition to no-excuse early voting by mail, Massachusetts has absentee voting for those who qualify. While early Vote by Mail ballots are more common, there are special circumstances where you need to apply for an absentee ballot instead.Visit the Secretary of State Absentee Voting page for more information, and to download an application (English PDF)

Applying for your Ballot 

In 2023, Vote by Mail applications will NOT be mailed to every voter who hasn’t already requested a mail-in ballot for the Town elections. Use the resources listed below to apply for Vote by Mail:

• Visit State of Massachusetts Vote By Mail Informational Website
• Vote by Mail applications can also be downloaded or printed from our website (English PDF)
• Track your ballot using the State's online tool

Any written request with your signature is an acceptable application. You can submit a signed written letter to the Town Clerk's Office to apply for your ballot.

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or fax. If you intended to email your application, you must sign it in a way that can be compared to your hand-written signature. Electronic signatures, scanned applications, and photos of applications are acceptable. Typed signatures cannot be accepted.

Applying for a Primary Ballot (Not For Town Election)

If you’re applying for a primary ballot, and you aren’t registered in a party, you must indicate which party’s ballot you want to receive. If you don’t provide a party on your application, you will not receive a primary ballot.

If you’re unenrolled (commonly called “Independent”) or enrolled in political designations, you are allowed to vote in the party primary of your choice. Your ballot choice will not affect your party registration.

Application Deadlines

Any mail-in ballot must be requested in writing at least 5 business days before Election Day.
Application deadlines for 2023 are listed below. Your application can only be accepted if it has reached your local election office by the deadline.

Apply as early as possible, especially if your ballot will need to be mailed out of town. The U.S. Postal Service recommends allowing up to 7 days for mail delivery. To ensure you receive your ballot with enough time to mail it back, you should apply 2-3 weeks before Election Day.

***If Vote by Mail Application was received in the Town Clerks after 5:00pm on April 3rd, your Town Election Ballot unfortunately will not be mailed. Please consider early in person voting if you cannot make it on Election Day.

Returning your Ballot

Note: Mail-In Ballot drop off located in rear of Town Hall

There are several options for returning your ballot. You may return your ballot by:

• Mail it back using the envelope provided; or
• Bring your ballot to the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall (450 Washington Street) during normal business hours
• Drop off your ballot during early voting hours (listed below)
• Use ballot drop box located at the rear entrance to Town Hall

NOTE: Ballots must be received by Saturday 4/8/23, NO LATER THAN 8:00 PM

IMPORTANT: Ballots cannot be dropped off at a polling place on Election Day.

For the April 8, 2023 Town Election, ballots returned in-person or by drop box must be delivered by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots returned by mail from inside the United States must reach your local election office (Dedham Town Hall) by 8:00pm on election day in order to be counted.

For all other elections, ballots must reach your local election office by the close of polls on Election Day in order to be counted.

In-Person Early Voting for Town Election: 4/1/23-4/2/23

Early Voting Location: Dedham Town Hall 450 Washington St Dedham Ma 02026 Senior Center Entrance

Last day to register to Vote: Wednesday March 29^th, Town Clerks office will be open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Last day to Vote by Absentee: 12:00pm on 4/7/2023

 Early Voting Hours:

Located in the back of Town Hall in Senior Center Entrance!

• Saturday April 1st Hours 9:00am - 3:00pm
•  Sunday April 2nd Hours 9:00am - 3:00pm

For any addition information please call the Town Clerks office 781-751-9200 or  email pmunchbach@dedham-ma.gov.