Election Information
2026 Fall Election Information
When are the elections happening?
Important Dates to Know
State Primary: Spetember 1, 2026
State General Election: November 3, 2026
Voting available from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School.
Last Day to register to vote: August 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm
Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed: August 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm
Deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed: August 31, 2026, by 5:00 pm
Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person: August 31, 2026, by 12:00 pm
Early Voting Information
Available at Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Saturday, August 22: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday, August 24: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday, August 25: 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, August 26: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 27: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
How do I know my voter registration status?
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Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections page to review who is eligible to vote and various methods to register to vote. Massachusetts residents are automatically registered to vote when applying for or renewing driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), when applying for MassHealth benefits, or when applying for health insurance through the Commonwealth Health Connector.
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Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections Division page to Register/Pre-Register to Vote, Update your Address or Party Affiliation, Update your Name, and Check your Registration Information. The page is available in multiple languages.
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Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections Division page to check your current registration status by entering your name, date of birth, and the zip code of your residential address.
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Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections Division page to find your polling location by entering your residential address.
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Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections Division page to check the status of a vote-by-mail ballot by searching your name and address.
What precinct do I live in?
The Town of Reading is divided into eight (8) total precincts for determining where voters cast their ballot on election day in the Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School, and sometimes which candidates they are eligible to vote on. Precincts are determined by boundaries that consider factors like population size, neighborhood continuity, and accessibility and are redrawn after the U.S. Census is completed every 10 years to reflect population changes and ensure fair representation. Election officials use precincts to manage voter registration, distribute election materials, and reporting election results.
To find out what precinct you live in, visit the Town of Reading website to look up your address.
Click on one of the maps below to see the list of addresses in each precinct.
Enlarged Precinct 1 Map
Enlarged Precinct 2 Map
Enlarged Precinct 3 Map
Enlarged Precinct 4 Map
Enlarged Precinct 5 Map
Enlarged Precinct 6 Map
Enlarged Precinct 7 Map
Enlarged Precinct 8 Map
Why should I vote In local elections?
Voting in local elections is crucial because local officials make decisions that directly impact your daily life. These officials determine policies on education, public safety, transportation, housing, and much, much more, directly shaping the quality of life and direction of our community. Additionally, local elections often have a lower voter turnout, meaning each vote carries more weight and significantly influences outcomes. By participating, you ensure that your interests and concerns are represented in local governance.
An informed and engaged electorate is vital for a healthy democracy. When residents are knowledgable about issues, candidates, and policies, they can make decisions that align with their values and the community’s best interests. Engagement ensures diverse voices are heard fosters accountabililty in leadership, and strengthens trust in the democratic process.
What was voter turnout in Reading during the 2024 and 2025 elections?
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 20,647
Number of total ballots cast: 7,350
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 35.6%
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 20,647
Number of total ballots cast: 8,021
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 38.8%
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 20,702
Number of total ballots cast: 6,020
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 29.1%
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Item descriptionNumber of registered voters in Reading: 20,850
Number of total ballots cast: 3,761
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 18.0%
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 21,037
Number of total ballots cast: 16.650
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 79.1%
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 21,176
Number of total ballots cast: 4,501
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 21.3%
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Number of registered voters in Reading: 20,817
Number of total ballots cast: 5,002
Percent of registered voters that cast a ballot: 24.0%
Curious about election results dating back to 1900? Check out this PDF to see how voting in Reading has evolved over 125 years of recorded elections.