Presidential primary absentee ballots are becoming available Thursday across the state.
Secretary of State William Galvin announced Thursday that absentee ballots are now available in every city and town for the March 3 presidential primary. Voters can complete the ballots in person at their local election offices or can submit an application to have an absentee ballot mailed to them.
Voters qualify for absentee ballots if they will be away from their home precinct on the date of the election or if they are unable to reach the polling place due to disability or religious belief. Family members can complete applications for a loved one, Galvin's office said.
To count, ballots must be submitted to city and town election officials by the close of polls on the March 3 primary.
Ballots for military and overseas voters became available on Jan. 18, and a five-day early voting period starts Feb. 24 — the first time Massachusetts will offer no-excuse early voting ahead of a presidential primary.
