New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“The Board of Election Commissioners advises the public that the 2023 Municipal Election Calendar is now set. Nomination Papers for Local Office will be available starting on Tuesday, April 4th. The Election Office is located in City Hall, 133 William St. Room 114. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Candidates need to sign up and will be given an information packet that contains the Election Calendar and nomination papers.
Before issuance of nomination papers, the candidate must sign a statement containing their name, address, and the office the person intends to be a candidate. Anyone other than the candidate must present a signed authorization to secure papers on their behalf.
Candidates must obtain 50 certified signatures, per MGL 53 9A, to be eligible to appear on the Preliminary Ballot scheduled for October 3rd.
The Municipal Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
In the Preliminary Municipal Election, New Bedford voters will be casting their votes for Mayor, Assesor-At-Large, School Committee, Councilors-At-Large, and Ward Councilors.
For more information, contact Election Commissioner Manuel DeBrito Jr. at (508) 979-1420.
City of New Bedford
Municipal Election Calendar
Preliminary Election – October 3, 2023
Municipal Election – November 7, 2023
APRIL 4: First day on which nomination papers can be obtained from the office of the Board of Election Commissioners for the offices of the Mayor, City Council, Assessor-At-Large, and School Committee. Each candidate must sign with the Board of Election Commissioners before he/she can obtain papers. A signed statement containing the person’s name, address, and the office for which the person intends to be a candidate. Each candidate will be issued five (5) nomination papers.
JULY 28 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to obtain nomination papers from the Board of Election Commissioners.
AUGUST 1 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to submit nomination papers to the Board of Election Commissioners for certification of signatures.
AUGUST 15 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to officially accept nominations once signatures are certified with the Board of Election Commissioners.
AUGUST 17at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour for filing withdrawals or objections of nomination papers with the Board of Election Commissioners.
SEPTEMBER 22 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day to register to vote for the Preliminary Election.
SEPTEMBER 26 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to apply for a mail-in or absentee preliminary ballot.
OCTOBER 2 at 12:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to apply for an in-person absentee preliminary ballot.
OCTOBER 3: PRELIMINARY ELECTION – POLLS OPEN 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
OCTOBER 9 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to file recount petition with Board of Election Commissioners.
OCTOBER 28 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day to register to vote for the Municipal Election.
OCTOBER 31 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to apply for a mail-in or absentee election ballot.
NOVEMBER 6 at 12:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to apply for an in-person absentee election ballot.
NOVEMBER 7: MUNICIPAL ELECTION – POLLS OPEN 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
NOVEMBER 17 at 5:00 P.M.: Last day and hour to file for a recount for the Election.
