The early voting period in Massachusetts for the March 3 presidential primary starts Monday, February 24 and continues through the week.
This is the first primary where early voting is available in Massachusetts, but the concept in the state dates back to 2016.
Secretary of State Bill Galvin said he's hopeful early turnout will be solid. He said keeping the timeframe to just five days instead of longer will protect voters from casting ballots for candidates who might drop out of the race before Election Day.
"It means that when people get to make the choice," Galvin said, "they can still vote early, they can still vote on their own time, avoid weather problems — but at the same time, know that the people who are before them are the actual candidates, and that no one has withdrawn from the race."
Early votes can be cast in at least one location in cities or towns across Massachusetts during the regular business hours of local election officials. Communities can also choose to have expanded hours and locations.
This report includes information from the Associated Press.
