Early voting starts August 22 — here’s what you need to know

Voting booths and poll workers at a local polling place on primary day.
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We’re getting closer to the election, and I need your help.

Early voting on Cape Cod starts Saturday, August 22, and runs through Friday, August 28. The Massachusetts Democratic primary is Tuesday, September 1 — and to vote for me, you’ll need to ask for the Democratic ballot.

If you’re unenrolled, unaffiliated, or consider yourself independent — in Massachusetts that means you can vote in this primary without joining the party. Just show up and ask for a Democratic ballot. If everyone reading this turns out, we’ve already won.

Key dates

  • Saturday, August 22 — Early voting begins. Also the last day to register to vote or change your party enrollment for the primary.
  • Tuesday, August 25, 5:00 p.m. — Deadline for your local election office to receive a Vote by Mail application.
  • Friday, August 28 — Last day of early in-person voting.
  • Tuesday, September 1 — Primary Election Day. Polls are generally open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Early voting is run by the Town Clerk at Town Hall in all 15 towns. We’ll confirm exact hours and locations shortly — check back here or reach out with questions.

This week matters. We need you to turn out.

Questions and answers

Do I have to be a registered Democrat to vote for you? No. Massachusetts uses “unenrolled” as the official term for what other states call independent or unaffiliated. If you’re unenrolled, you can vote in the September 1 Democratic primary without joining the party — just ask for a Democratic ballot when you check in.

What happens to my party status after I vote? Nothing changes. Your independent status is automatically restored after the primary. You don’t have to re-register or do anything else — you won’t be added to the Democratic party.

Where do I vote early? Early in-person voting is run by the Town Clerk at Town Hall in each of the 15 towns across Barnstable County. Hours vary by town, and we’ll post exact times and locations here as soon as they’re confirmed.

Can I vote by mail instead? Yes. Your local election office needs to receive your Vote by Mail application by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25. Apply as early as you can — don’t wait until the deadline.

What if I’m not registered yet? Saturday, August 22 is the last day to register to vote or to change your party enrollment for this primary. If you’ve moved recently or aren’t sure you’re registered, check your status and register before that date.

What if I miss early voting? Polls are open on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, September 1, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can vote at your regular polling place that day if you don’t vote early or by mail.

Why does this primary matter so much? Barnstable County Commissioner will also be contested by a Republican candidate in November, so a strong showing here sets us up for the general election too. That’s why every vote in this primary carries real weight — it’s the first test of turnout for the whole race.

What can I do to help? Vote early if you can, and bring a friend or neighbor with you. Put up a lawn sign — it’s one of the easiest ways to show your neighbors this campaign has real support on the ground. Make sure anyone in your life who’s unenrolled knows they’re eligible to vote in this primary. And if you have questions about your registration, your polling place, or anything else, reach out — we’re here to help you get to the polls.

Every conversation, every sign, every vote adds up. Thank you for being part of this.


Questions? Email eschwaab@gmail.com or call 508-419-2249.


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