Here’s what you need to know about the Massachusetts primary election

Massachusetts voters will head to the polls for select local, state and federal elections in the state’s primary election on September 3.

Their choices will play an important role in defining the state’s political direction and political priorities for the future.

Below you’ll find an updated guide to voting in state primaries.

If you have any questions about the state primaries, please email us at [email protected].

Early Voting | Polling Times and Locations | Who and What Appears on the Ballot?

Early Voting in Boston

While the August 28: Deadline to register on the electoral lists has passed, early voting has begun across the state and will last until August 30.

Early voting locations and times vary by city or town. If you live in Boston, find your polling place here. Any registered voter in Boston can vote at any early voting location. You don’t need an excuse or reason to vote early.

Voting times and locations

Polls open statewide at 7am Tuesday September 3rd and close to 8 p.m. Find your polling station here.

Absentee ballots may be hand-delivered to a local election office or drop box, an early voting station or returned by mail in the original envelope provided. The ballot must reach the voter’s local election office before 8pm on September 3 to count.

Use the Boston.com map below to find drop box locations closest to you.

Voters should not drop off their absentee ballot at their local polling place on Election Day. Those who wish to vote in person on Election Day can find their polling place by entering their address on the Secretary of State’s website.

Voters may also be required to provide identification confirming their name and address when registering, and poll workers may ask residents to provide identification if they are generally inactive voters or if they are casting a provisional or contested ballot.

Who and what is on the ballot?

Positions on the ballot include: U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Counselor to the Governor, State Senator, State Representative, Conservator of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, and County Commissioner (select counties only).

Among the candidates to watch is the race for the Senate seat in Congress. Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will face three Republican candidates: Robert Antonellis of Medford, Quincy City Councilman Ian Cain and former U.S. Attorney John Deaton.

Another intriguing race is for Suffolk County Supreme Court Clerk. Boston City Councilwoman Erin Murphy and longtime public defender Allison Cartwright are both running for the position.

Both candidates have received endorsements from prominent figures including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Sen. Lydia Edwards of East Boston and Attorney General Andrea Campbell. Rep. Stephen Lynch of South Boston and Councilman Ed Flynn have both endorsed Murphy.

For a complete list of Democratic and Republican candidates for open offices, voters can visit the Secretary of State’s website. Voters can also view a sample ballot for their district on the website.