New Bedford Election Guide: New Polling Places, Early Voting Dates, and Key Deadlines

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Two polling locations in New Bedford’s South End are being relocated for the upcoming election on November 3.

New Polling Locations for New Bedford in Ward 5 and Ward 6

The Moose Home (also known as the Moose Lodge) was the home of Ward 5’s Precinct C and Ward 6’s Precinct F, but that location has now closed, forcing the New Bedford Election Commission to find new polling locations.

Ward 5, Precinct C will now vote at St. Teresa of Calcutta School, located at 180 Orchard Street. Ward 6, Precinct F will now vote at the New Life South Coast church, located at 1331-1335 Cove Road.

What Time Are New Bedford Polls Open on Election Day?

Polls at the new locations as well as other polling locations throughout New Bedford will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3.

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New Bedford Early Voting Dates, Times, and Location

Early voting begins on October 17 and runs through October 30. It will take place on the third floor of the main branch of the New Bedford Public Library, located at 613 Pleasant Street, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

New Bedford Mail-In and Absentee Ballot Deadlines

Mail-in and absentee ballots are available now. All registered voters can request a mail-in ballot online or in person at the Elections Office in City Hall (Room 114) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline to apply for mail-in voting is Tuesday, October 27, at 5 p.m.

All registered voters can also vote absentee in the Election Office during regular business hours until November 2, the day before the election, at 12 p.m. Parents or family members can apply for absentee ballots on behalf of their children attending out-of-city or state colleges and universities.

Mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered to the Election Office or returned via the white drop-off boxes outside City Hall on Elm Street (outside of the bus terminal) or via the drop-off boxes in your local post office.

Key Election Offices and Candidates on the 2026 Massachusetts Ballot

Voters will vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Councilor, District Attorney, Register of the Probate, County Treasurer, County Commissioner, State Senator, and State Representative for the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 13th Districts. There will also be nine ballot questions.

When Is the Last Day to Register to Vote in New Bedford?

The last day to register to vote before any election is 10 days prior, so in this case, the last day is October 24.

Check Your Voting Status

Any questions you may have about your status as a registered voter, where to vote, or anything else related to the election, you can contact the New Bedford Board of Elections Commission at (508) 979-1420.