All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4.

Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check registration status, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail.

In Marion, early voting can be done in person at the Town House in the Town Clerk’s Office at 2 Spring St. during the following dates and times: Monday through Thursday, 8-4:25 p.m. and Friday from 8-3:25 p.m.

To request an early voting ballot through the mail. Fill out an application and mail it to Town Clerk, 2 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738. The application is on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

In Rochester, early voting can be done in person at the Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way, during the following dates and times: Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28 from 9-12 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 4 from 9-12 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.

To mail an application, send it to the Town Clerk, 1 Constitution Way, Rochester, MA 02770.

In Mattapoisett, early voting can be done in person at Town Hall during the following dates and times: Oct. 24, 25, 27, 28, 31 and Nov. 1, 3, 4 from 8-4 p.m. and Oct. 26, Nov. 2 from 8-7 p.m. The Town Clerk will offer weekend hours on Oct. 29 from 10-2 p.m.

Mail an application to Town Clerk, P. O. Box 89, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

An early voting ballot prohibits voters from casting a ballot at the polls on Election Day.