Vote By Mail

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Mail-in ballots are available for all elections with no excuse necessary. You may apply online, in person or by mailing an application to the Elections & Census Office, 375 Merrimack Street, Basement, Room 5 Lowell, MA 01852. 

Returning Your Ballot

Completed ballots may be returned by mail in the included postage pre-paid envelope. Ballots may also be returned in-person to the Elections Commission or to the secure ballot box in the lobby of the Lowell Police Department on JFK Plaza which is available 24/7. Ballots cannot be dropped off at a polling place on Election Day.

2023 Ballot Drop Box at LPD

Absentee Ballots

Excuse-required absentee voting by mail is available in all elections, to those who qualify. While mail-in ballots are more common, there are special circumstances where you may need to use the Absentee Ballot application to apply for an absentee ballot instead.

You can vote by absentee ballot if:

  • You will be away from your city or town on Election Day
  • You have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location on Election Day
  • You have a disability that prevents you from voting at your polling location

Absentee voters use the same ballots as early Vote by Mail voters and have the same deadlines for returning their ballots. Most voters who qualify for an absentee ballot can choose instead to apply for an early Vote by Mail ballot. There are some times that an absentee ballot application is needed.

You should fill out an absentee ballot application if:

  • You are on active military duty
  • You are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S.
  • You will be away from your city or town on Election Day
  • You are requesting an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization
  • You are currently incarcerated for a reason other than a felony conviction

You may apply for an absentee ballot in person or by mailing an application to the Elections & Census Office, 375 Merrimack Street, Basement, Room 5 Lowell, MA 01852.