Register to vote in preliminary election by Sept. 8

NEW BEDFORD — Residents have until Sept. 8 to register to vote in the city’s Sept. 28 preliminary election. Sept. 8 is also the last day to notify the city’s Election Commission of any change in voter name or address.

The only contest in the preliminary race is for Ward 5 City Council.

Parents or family members can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of their children attending colleges or universities outside the city or state.

The deadline to cast or apply for an absentee ballot is Sept. 27 and they must be returned to the Election Commission office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. The city will soon be announcing the date when absentee voting begins.

The Election Commission office, located at New Bedford City Hall, 133 William St., Room 114, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office will also open on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to noon. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents with questions about voting status, polling location, absentee ballots, or early voting, can contact the Election Commission office at 508-979-1420.