City of New Bedford 2025 election calendar
There are two elections coming up before the end of this year in New Bedford, the Preliminary Election on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and the Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The following calendar lists key dates for candidates and voters.
The Board of Election Commissioners is responsible for the conduct of all elections in the City of New Bedford.
These responsibilities include voter registration, polling place arrangements, appointment & training of election officials, printing of ballots, preparation of election supplies, purchase, storage and maintenance of voting machines, certification of election results, campaign finance reports, voter activity, certification of nomination papers, and state and local petitions.
For more information, including how to register and to find your voting place, forms and contacts, go to the commission’s website:
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/election-commission/
CALENDAR
MAY 13
First day on which nomination papers can be obtained from the office of the Board of Election Commissioners for the offices of City Council, Assessor-At-Large and School Committee. Each candidate must sign with 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.
AUGUST 19 5 P.M.
Last day and hour to submit nomination papers to the Board of Election Commissioners for certification of signatures.
SEPTEMBER 2 5 P.M.
Last day and hour for filing certified nomination papers, including Statement of Candidacy with the Board of Election Commissioners
SEPTEMBER 3
Deadline to post list of candidates.
SEPTEMBER 4 5 P.M.
Last day and hour for filing withdrawals of or objections to nomination papers with the Board of Election Commissioners.
SEPTEMBER 27 5 P.M.
Last day to register to vote for the Preliminary Election.
SEPTEMBER 30 5 P.M.
Last day and hour to apply for a mail-in or absentee Preliminary ballot. Deadline to post Notice of Election.
Application here:
https://newbedford-ma.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/20250516150738/2025-Vote-by-Mail-Application.pdf
OCTOBER 6 12 P.M.
Last day and hour to apply for an in-person absentee Preliminary ballot.
Application here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/absentee-voting.htm
OCTOBER 7 PRELIMINARY ELECTION – POLLS OPEN 7 A.M. – 8 P.M.
OCTOBER 10 5 P.M.
Last day and hour to file a recount petition with the Board of Election Commissioners.
Last day and hour for filing withdrawals of or objections to nominations made at the Preliminary and for filing written acceptances by write-in or sticker candidates who won in the Preliminary.
OCTOBER 25 5 P.M.
Last day to register to vote for the Municipal Election.
OCTOBER 28 5 P.M.
Last day and hour to apply for a mail-in or absentee election ballot. Deadline to post Notice of Election.
Application here:
https://newbedford-ma.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/20250516150738/2025-Vote-by-Mail-Application.pdf
NOVEMBER 3 12 P.M.
Last day and hour to apply for an in-person absentee election ballot.
Application here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/absentee-voting.htm
NOVEMBER 4 MUNICIPAL ELECTION- POLLS OPEN 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.
NOVEMBER 14 5 P.M.
Last day and hour to file a recount petition with the Board of Election Commissioners.
