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Election Info: New Ballot Colors, Voter Registration, Early Voting

State Primary is September 1 with upcoming deadlines to vote by mail and register to vote
Post Date:08/04/2026 4:30 pm

New Colors for Massachusetts Primary Election Ballots

Effective September 1, 2026 State Primary
The Secretary of State’s Office has announced updated color standards for all Massachusetts primary and state election ballots beginning with the September 1, 2026 State Primary. These changes align with General Laws Chapter 53, Section 33, which requires each party’s primary ballots to be printed in different colors to reduce confusion and ensure accuracy at the polls.
 
New Ballot Colors
Per the Secretary of State's Office, the updated color assignments are designed to meet voter expectations and will help to reduce confusion when ballots are provided to voters.

A Reminder for Residents: Understanding Voter Inactivation in Massachusetts
If you’ve recently checked your voting status or received a postcard in the mail and noticed that it is listed as inactive, this does not mean you are no longer registered to vote.

Why Your Status May Show as “Inactive”

Each year, cities and towns are required by the State to update voter records for residents who have not returned a local census. If you have not submitted a census since 2025 or earlier, your voter status may be changed to inactive as part of this routine process. This is a standard update conducted across all municipalities on an annual basis.

What “Inactive” Does and Does Not Mean

 You are still a registered voter.
  • Being marked inactive does not remove you from the voter rolls.
  • Being marked inactive does mean that when you arrive to vote, you will need to provide a valid ID to confirm your residency before casting your ballot.

How to Return to “Active” Status

To reactivate your voter status, complete the postcard we sent you or fill out a census form and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office:
If you requested a mail in ballot, your voter registration status will be updated to active.

Checking Your Current Voter Status

Residents can verify their voter registration information by visiting the State’s Voter Registration Status Page. You’ll be asked for your name, date of birth, and residential ZIP code.
 
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781‑751‑9200.

In-Person Early Voting for State Primary Election: 

  • Early Voting Location: Dedham Town Hall (450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026)
  • Last day to register to Vote: Saturday August 22 - Town Clerk's Office will be open from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM
  • Last day to Vote by Absentee by Mail: 12:00 PM on August 31, 2026
  • Vote by Absentee In Person by Appointment: Please call 781-751-9200 to schedule an appointment (Appointments required)
  • Early Voting In Person Hours at Town Hall (Meeting Room 304, 3rd Floor):
    • Saturday August 22, 2026: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    • Monday, August 24: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    • Tuesday August 25: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    • Wednesday August 26 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM 
    • Thursday August 27: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    • and Friday August 28: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Information or Questions

For any addition information please call the Town Clerks office 781-751-9200 or  email pmunchbach@dedhamma.gov.

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