Early voting is underway in Swampscott and across Massachusetts ahead of the Tuesday, November 3 election.
Early voting for the midterm elections began Saturday in Swampscott.Voters will elect candidates to several statewide offices, including governor, attorney general and secretary of the commonwealth, as well as one U.S. senator. There are also 10 questions posed to voters around Public Records Law, voter registration, recreational use of marijuana and firearm regulation.
Registered voters can cast their ballots early at Swampscott Town Hall on the following dates:
- Monday, October 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, October 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, October 23 from 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, October 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 28 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, October 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, October 30 from 8 a.m. to noon
Midterm elections primarily focus on Congress. Unlike presidential elections, which take place every four years, midterm elections occur every two years and determine which congressional seats are contested.
Congress consists of 435 members of the House of Representatives, with seats apportioned among the states based on population, and 100 senators, with two representing each state. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election. Senate elections are staggered, and Massachusetts voters will elect one U.S. senator.
Midterm elections also give voters an opportunity to express their approval or disapproval of the current administration, according to the U.S. Vote Foundation.
“Midterms are a face-off between our two major parties – Democratic and Republican. These elections can be just as heated as a presidential race, because of what is to be won,” the organization wrote. “That winning party will gain control of the legislature, which holds the power to enact laws, declare war, and much more.”
The ballot also includes the gubernatorial race and elections for statewide offices, including those held by officials who serve under the governor.
Residents can also still register to vote through October 24 online at sec.state.ma.us/OVR or in person at Town Hall. Main-ballots can also be requested through October 27.
