Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Sen. Joyce Reminds Residents to Vote This Thursday

The polls are open for all elections from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Canton.

By Matt Perkins

Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) is reminding residents in the area to head to the polls on Thursday for the upcoming state primary election.

Joyce, who represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth District that includes Canton, said in a recent statement that the timing of the primary, being on Thursday rather than Tuesday, is unusual. The reason for the change is that the "normal" primary election day falls on Rosh Hashanah this year, and 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.

Tuesday was not considered an appropriate date for the primary, as it fell too close to Labor Day.

"Many Massachusetts voters may think that primary election day has already passed because of March's presidential primary," Joyce said in a recent statement. "But Sept. 6 is actually primary day for every race other than president - including important offices like U.S. Senator and Congressman. So, while it may not be as high-profile in the news media, this election is certainly very important."

Canton residents are encouraged to check to see which poll location they should vote at by visiting www.wheredoivotema.com.

"This year's redistricting may have moved you into another precinct, so it's a good idea to check," said Joyce, who added in his statement that those who will not be able to make it to the polls on Thursday can still apply for an absentee ballot as late as noon Wednesday, Sept. 5.

"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."

While the deadline has passed for voter registration for the state primary election, residents have until Oct. 17 to register to vote in the November general election.