Stoughton — Sen. Brian A. Joyce reminds voters to head to the polls for the State Primary election Thursday, Sept. 6.

The timing of the election, on Thursday rather than Tuesday, is unusual. The change is a result of the “normal” Primary election day falling on Rosh Hashanah this year. State officials chose Sept. 6 as the new Election Day in order to allow time to print absentee ballots for November to send to military personnel. However, Tuesday, Sept. 4 was not an acceptable date because of its proximity to the Labor Day holiday and voters’ vacations.

Because of these unusual circumstances resulting in this unusual election date, Joyce has made an extra effort to ensure that constituents are informed.

“Many Massachusetts voters may think that primary election day has already passed because of March’s Presidential Primary,” Joyce said. “But September 6 is actually Primary day for every race other than president—including important offices like US Senator and Congressman. So while it may not be as high-profile in the news media, this election is certainly very important.”

To find out where your local polling place is, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.wheredoivotema.com.

“This year's redistricting may have moved you into another precinct, so it’s a good idea to check,” said Joyce.

If you won't be able to make it to the voting booth on Sept. 6, the website http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm has instructions on how to order an absentee ballot. You can apply for an absentee ballot as late as noon on the day before the election.

“However, to be counted, absentee ballots must be received by the time polls close on election day, so apply as early as possible to get your ballot in the mail ASAP,” Joyce said. “You can even visit your local election office to fill out an absentee ballot prior to the election.”

For those not registered to vote, the deadline to register to vote in the Primary election passed on Aug. 17. However, residents have until Oct. 17 to register to be able to vote in November's general election.