CITY OF BOSTON PREPARES FOR NOVEMBER 3RD CITYWIDE MUNICIPAL ELECTION

CITY OF BOSTON PREPARES FOR NOVEMBER 3RD CITYWIDE MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Boston - Tuesday, October 27, 2015 - The City of Boston Election Department announced today that in preparation for the Tuesday, November 3rd Election, voters should plan to visit the polls between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. "The City of Boston Election Department will work to ensure a timely, responsible and orderly Election Day operation," said Mayor Walsh. "Residents and organizations are encouraged to assist in boosting civic engagement for elections by sending reminders to fellow neighbors, family and friends. Civic engagement is critical to making effective change in our communities and one of the best ways for our residents to participate is to exercise the right to vote." November 2, 2015 at noon is the deadline for Absentee ballot applications and in person absentee voting. Ballots have been printed for more than Boston's 373,232 registered voters.  All polling places will be equipped with an Automark machine, which assists voters with sensory and physical limitations in marking their ballots; this device also provides translation assistance. The following languages will be available at the polls and through a central translator telephone bank: Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese dialects) Vietnamese Haitian Creole Cape Verdean Creole Russian The department has recruited and trained more than 1,500 poll workers to staff more than 170 polling locations, covering approximately 255 precincts. From answering calls from residents, to working the polling locations, to counting ballots, poll workers play a vital role in the success of Election Day. To help boost civic engagement, residents are encouraged to use hashtag#BostonVotes on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, with photos showing proof of voter participation.   Election Results will be posted online at www.boston.gov after the polls close at 8:00 P.M. Updates on turnout will be provided periodically via Twitter:@BostonElections, and the City of Boston Elections Department's Facebook account. Please use the Election Department's website to receive additional information regarding the election; registered voters are able to use the site to locate polling locations and to view sample (specimen) ballots. Members of the media are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines: Interviews of voters are not allowed inside polling locations and must be carried out at least 150 feet away from the site Interviews with election officers at the polling locations are not allowed Interview requests for the Election Commissioner must be directed through the Press Office at (617) 635-4461 Photos and b-roll shots will be allowed under the supervision of each poll's warden Photographers are reminded that zooming in on voter ballots and shots over the shoulders of voters will not be allowed; please respect every voter's right to a private ballot The City of Boston Election Department will also be available for b-roll shots starting at 7:30 A.M. on November 3, 2015