Voters called to the ballot boxes on September 6th 

August 27, 2012 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, today issued a reminder to voters to vote in the upcoming state primary election on Thursday, September 6th. Because of unusual circumstances resulting in the atypical election date, Sen. Moore is making an extra effort to ensure that constituents are informed.

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 September 6th as the new primary election day because they wanted an earlier election which would provide time to print absentee ballots for November to send to military personnel. However, Tuesday, September 4th was not an acceptable date because of its proximity to the Labor Day holiday and voters’ vacations.

“Many Massachusetts voters may think that primary election day has already passed because of March’s presidential primary,” Sen. Moore explained. “But September 6th is actually primary day for every race other than U.S. 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 still important.”

Besides the new primary election day, most area voters will see new names on their ballots as a result of Congressional redistricting that was required by the 2010 U.S. Census.

“The choice of our next Congressman is critical, and the results of the primary will determine our choices for the November general election,” Sen. Moore noted, adding, “Milford, Hopedale, and Bellingham have an open seat with campaigns on both Republican and Democratic ballots for a new Congressman in the 4th District.”

In the First District, which now includes Southbridge and Dudley, and in the Second District which now includes Blackstone, Douglas, Mendon, Millville, Northbridge, Oxford, Sutton, Uxbridge and Webster there are active Congressional campaigns on the Democratic primary ballot. Independents can vote in either Democratic or Republican Primary and still retain their independent status, Sen. Moore stated.

To find out where your local polling place is, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.wheredoivotema.com. “Even if you think you know where to go, it's smart to double-check, as this year's redistricting may have moved you into another precinct,” said Sen. Moore.

If you will not be able to make it to the voting booth on September 6th, 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 as soon as possible,” Sen. Moore explained. “You can even visit your local election office in person to fill out an absentee ballot beforehand.”

For those unregistered to vote, the deadline to register to vote in the primary election passed on August 17th. “However, you have until October 17 to register to be able to vote in November's general election,” Sen. Moore said. “If you're not registered or know someone who's not registered—perhaps someone who just turned 18—go to your local elections official to sign up! Voting is every American’s greatest right, and getting registered is something every American should do.”

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