New Bedford Moves Polling Site Amid I-195 Construction

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — There’s no question that the Interstate 195 to Route 18 interchange rehabilitation project that is underway in New Bedford will cause detours and traffic backups for years to come.

Now, it’s also causing a change in a polling location.

The Board of Election Commissioners has received approval from the City Council to move the polling for Ward 3 Precincts A and C for the upcoming election season.

READ MORE: New Bedford Detours Announced as I-195 Construction Begins

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Where Ward 3 Voters Will Cast Ballots

Voters in those precincts, who previously voted at the Hayden-McFadden Elementary School, will now vote at the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, located at 121 Mount Pleasant Street. Those going to vote are asked to use the entrance on Mount Vernon Street to enter the building.

Why the Polling Change Was Needed

The change was necessary because the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is using the Hayden-McFadden area for staging in support of the roadwork project. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2030.

READ MORE: New Bedford Braces for Long-Term Disruption of I-195 Travel

With that in mind, the Board of Election Commissioners, in consultation with New Bedford Public Schools, Ward 3 City Councilor Shawn Oliver and MassDOT decided to move the polling location due to traffic and parking concerns.

Election Dates and Voting Hours

The new polling location of the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church will be utilized by voters in those precincts for both the upcoming preliminary election on Tuesday, October 7 and the municipal election on Tuesday, November 4. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Important 2025 Election Dates in New Bedford

How to Find More Voting Information

For a list of all polling locations, visit the City of New Bedford website. Any other questions about voting can be answered by the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.