Early voting in Massachusetts begins on Oct. 17, and Marion and Mattapoisett are getting ballots — and information — out to voters. 

In both Marion and Mattapoisett, all mail-in ballots have been shipped out to those who requested them. Marion sent out a total of 1700 ballots, with Mattapoisett mailing around 2000.

Mattapoisett Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger said the town has had a very consistent turnout rate of around 85%, but this year, she expects much of that turnout to come by mail.

“I would say for the last presidential election we had a lot of people come in person early, but now we’re seeing a lot more mail-in ballots.

And with that increased mail-in presence, Heuberger said she doesn’t anticipate much of an issue maintaining social distance for those who do decide to vote early in-person. 

In Marion, Registrar Richard Giberti said that social distance will be a focus of early voting, and encouraged voters to bring their own pens.

“When you’ve used a pen, I don’t wanna use it,” he said. “No offense.”

Giberti also said that Marion doesn’t expect to see a large number of voters in-person during the early voting period. 

The officials from both towns encouraged voters to use the new drop boxes which have been installed outside the Marion and Mattapoisett Town Houses. 

To see how and when to vote early in the Tri-Town, click here.