Absentee ballots available for New Bedford municipal election; last day to register looms

Absentee ballots are now available for the Nov. 2 municipal election, the city’s Board of Election Commissioners announced.

It’s a busy week ahead of Election Day, as the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, Oct. 13, and confirmation of early voting dates is on the New Bedford City Council agenda for Thursday night.

Election Commissioner Manuel DeBrito Jr. said residents unable to go to the polls on Election Day now can vote by absentee ballot, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday in the Election Office in City Hall, at 133 William St. Parents or family members can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of children attending college out of town. Those ballots must be returned to the Election Office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2.

The front doors at City Hall will be open until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, ahead of the voter registration deadline, so people can enter the building and register with the Board of Elections in Room 114 on the first floor.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in the Election Office is noon Nov. 1. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2.

New Bedford voters are casting ballots in this year’s municipal election for the city’s Assessor-at-Large, three of the six elected School Committee members, all five Councilors-at-Large and all six Ward Councilors.

If you have any questions on your voting status or polling location, or would like to request an early or absentee ballot for yourself or a family member, please call the Board of Elections at (508) 979-1420.