Important Dates
Primary Election September 1, 2026
Voter registration deadline for the primary election: Saturday, August 22 is the last day to register by 5pm
Early voting: August 22 - 28
Primary election: Tuesday, September 1
Polls are open 7am - 8pm
Polling locations: Go to Salem Link or Where do I vote MA
General Election November 3, 2026
Vote by Mail Application Deadline: 5 p.m., October 27
Early Voting Period: October 17-30
General election: Tuesday, November 3
Polls are open 7am - 8pm
Polling locations: Go to Salem Link or Where do I vote MA
Registration
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Methods of registration include online, in person at the clerk’s office, by mail and through the RMV.
To find out more you can visit the City Clerk’s Web Page:
https://www.salemma.gov/944/Voter-Registration
If you have any questions regarding voter registration, or if you are not certain if you are still registered, contact the City Clerk's Office at 978-745-9595, ext. 41211 or 41212.
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You can check your status, ward number, polling location and party enrollment here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
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If you have moved recently, even within Salem, it is important to update your address on your registration. You can do that here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/Pages/CheckEligibility.aspx?&Action=UpdateAddress
If your name has changed since you last registered you can update it here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/Pages/NameChange.aspx?&Action=UpdateName
How to Vote
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Primary Election Sept 1:
Early Voting Period: August 22-28General Election November 3:
Early Voting Period: October 17-30Absentee or mail-in voting is another option for early voting as well. Learn about absentee voting here
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Vote by Mail Application Deadlines 2026:
Primary Election: 5 p.m., August 25 State Election: 5 p.m., October 27
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In person on election day voting is September 1st for the primary election and November 3rd for the general election. You can find your polling location here.
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Here you will find information on the following:
Accessible Voting Procedures
Accessible Voting Equipment
Who to contact for help
Requesting an accessible vote by mail application
Frequently Asked Questions
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You may need to show identification when you check-in at your polling place if:
You are voting for the first time in Massachusetts
You’re on the inactive voter list
You're casting a provisional or challenged ballot
The poll worker has a practical and legal reason to ask for identification
Identification needs to show your name and the address where you are registered to vote. Examples of acceptable identification are:
A driver's license
A state ID card
A recent utility bill
A rent receipt or lease.
A copy of a voter registration affidavit
A letter from a school dormitory or housing office
Any other printed identification which contains your name and address
If you need to show identification because you’re voting for the first time and you don’t have identification with you, you can cast a provisional ballot. If you return with identification before the polls close, your ballot will be counted.
If you need to show identification for any other reason and you’re not able to do so, you can cast a challenged ballot. Your name and address, the challenger’s name and address, and the reason for the challenge will be written on your ballot. Your ballot will be cast as normal and only examined if there is a recount, court order, or audit.
Source: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/identification-requirements.htm
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This information also available by checking your registration status here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
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The League of Women Voters candidate information can be found at https://www.vote411.org/
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Salem City Clerk's Office
Your first point of contact should be the city clerk's office, which oversees all election-day operations in Salem.
Phone: (978) 745-9595, then use extension 41200 for the City Clerk or extension 41211 for the Assistant City Clerk for Elections.
In person: On Election Day, you can also speak with the Poll Workers and the Precinct Warden at your polling location.
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Specimen Ballots for the September 1 Primary and the November 3 State Election will be posted on the City Clerk’s office website before the election. Once available, a link to that site will be listed here.
City Clerk Contact Info
Address: City Clerk - 93 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970
Email: elections@salem.com
When you contact the clerk, regarding elections via email include:
Kissy Canela -- kcanela@salem.com
Phone: (978) 745-9595
Last updated: April 28, 2026
