- 19 May: Nomination papers become available at the New Bedford City Hall
- 16 Aug: Deadline for filing nomination papers for certification of signatures (5 PM)
- 30 Aug: The last day to officially file nomination papers (5 PM)
- 01 Sep: The last day to withdraw from race or object to nomination papers (5 PM)
- 14 Sept: Last day to register to vote for Preliminary Elections
- 26 Sept: Last day to file Political Finance Statements with the Board of Election Commissioners (5 PM).
- 01 Oct: Absentee Voting (9 AM – 12 PM)
- 03 Oct: Last day to file an absentee ballot application for Preliminary Election (12 PM)
- 04 Oct: Preliminary Election (7 AM – 8 PM) – top two move on to the Municipal Election
- 11 Oct: Last day to file recount petition with Board of Election Commissioners (5 PM)
- 19 Oct: Last day to register to vote for Municipal Elections (8 PM)
- 31 Oct: File Political Finance Statements with the Board of Election Commissioners (5 PM)
- 05 Nov: Absentee Voting (9 AM – 12 PM)
- 07: Nov: Last day to file for an absentee ballot application (12 PM)
- 08 Nov: Municipal Election (7 AM – 8 PM)
- 18 Nov: Last day to file recount petition (5 PM)
- 1 Jan, 2012: Winning candidates are sworn into office
- 20 Jan: File Political Finance Statements with the Board of Election Commissioners