Massachusetts voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to choose their next governor, U.S. senator and other state and federal officials, while deciding nine statewide ballot questions covering everything from recreational marijuana sales and firearms regulations to housing and election laws.
For Worcester residents, the ballot also includes races for state senate and house seats, with candidates varying depending on where voters live in the city.
With early voting underway and the deadline to request a mail-in ballot approaching, here’s what Worcester voters need to know about the election, who’s running and how to cast a ballot.
When is Election Day?
The Massachusetts state election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls in Worcester are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling locations on Election Day. Those who are in line by 8 p.m. are permitted to vote.
The deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information for the election was Saturday, Oct. 24.
Who’s running?
Worcester voters choose candidates for federal and statewide offices, including U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general, secretary of the commonwealth, treasurer and auditor.
The following candidates appear on ballots throughout the city.
U.S. Senate
Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey is seeking reelection against Republican John Deaton, independent Shiva Ayyadurai and Joe Tache of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
U.S. House of Representatives
Incumbent Democrat James McGovern is seeking reelection to the 2nd Congressional District. He is unopposed on the ballot.
Governor and lieutenant governor
Incumbent Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are seeking reelection against Republican candidates Michael Minogue and Shawn Oliver, and independent candidates Andrea James and Kayla Kittredge.
Oliver has withdrawn from the race but will still appear on the ballot as Minogue’s running mate.
Attorney general
Incumbent Democrat Andrea Campbell faces Republican Michael Walsh.
Secretary of the commonwealth
Incumbent Democrat William Galvin faces Republican Anne Brensley.
State treasurer
Incumbent Democrat Deborah Goldberg faces Republican Elizabeth Dionne.
State auditor
Incumbent Democrat Diana DiZoglio faces Libertarian Al Ozonoff.
Governor’s Council
In the 7th District, which includes Worcester, incumbent Democrat Paul DePalo faces Republican Margaret Abboud.
District attorney and register of probate
Worcester County voters also see two uncontested races.
Incumbent Democrat Joseph Early Jr. is seeking reelection as district attorney for the Middle District, while incumbent Republican Stephanie Fattman is seeking reelection as Worcester County register of probate.
State legislative races: Where you live matters
Unlike the statewide contests, the candidates for state senate and House of Representatives vary by neighborhood.
Worcester is divided among multiple legislative districts, meaning voters in different wards and precincts may have different candidates on their ballots.
State senate
Three state senate districts include portions of Worcester:
- 1st Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat Robyn Kennedy is running unopposed.
- 2nd Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat Michael Moore is running unopposed.
- Worcester and Hampshire District: Incumbent Republican Peter Durant faces Democrat Shannon Teabo.
State house of representatives
Five state House districts include portions of Worcester:
- 13th Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat John Mahoney is running unopposed.
- 14th Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat James O’Day is running unopposed.
- 15th Worcester District: Incumbent Mary Keefe is running unopposed.
- 16th Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat Daniel Donahue is running unopposed.
- 17th Worcester District: Incumbent Democrat David LeBoeuf is running unopposed.
Voters should check their individual sample ballots to determine which legislative districts and candidates apply to their addresses. The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s voter information website allows residents to look up their registration information, polling places and sample ballots.
Nine statewide ballot questions
Massachusetts voters decide nine binding statewide ballot questions this year, the most ever presented in a single state election.
The proposals address government transparency, collective bargaining, election procedures, taxes, conservation funding, housing development, recreational marijuana and firearms regulations.
The Worcester Guardian is publishing a series of stories examining the ballot questions ahead of Election Day, including what each proposal would change and the arguments surrounding it.
Here’s a brief look at what voters are asked to decide.
Question 1: Government transparency. Would make most records held by the Massachusetts Legislature and governor’s office subject to the state’s Public Records Law, with certain exemptions. A yes vote would expand public access to those records; a no vote would leave the law unchanged.
Question 2: Collective bargaining for public defenders. Would allow employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, which provides legal representation to people unable to afford an attorney, to collectively bargain with their employer. A no vote would maintain existing labor laws governing those employees.
Question 3: Changes to state primary elections. Would replace separate political party primaries for state elections with a single primary featuring candidates from all parties. The two candidates receiving the most votes would advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Question 4: Election Day voter registration. Would allow eligible residents to register to vote or update their addresses at their polling places on Election Day, subject to identification or residency documentation requirements. The change would take effect in 2028.
Question 5: State revenue limits. Would change the formula used to limit annual state tax collections, tying it to the previous year’s revenue and average wage growth. Revenue exceeding the new limit would be refunded to taxpayers.
Question 6: Conservation funding. Would establish a Nature for All Fund supported by certain state tax revenues from sporting goods, recreational vehicles and golf-course use. The money would support land conservation, parks, trails, water resources and outdoor recreation projects, subject to legislative appropriation.
Question 7: Single-family housing development. Would allow single-family homes to be built on residentially zoned lots of at least 5,000 square feet that meet certain frontage and utility requirements. Municipalities would retain authority to regulate certain aspects of development, including building height, setbacks and parking.
Question 8: Recreational marijuana sales. Would repeal the state’s legal retail market for recreational marijuana while allowing limited adult possession and preserving the medical marijuana system. The proposal would also change possession limits and penalties, with the changes taking effect in 2028.
Question 9: Firearms regulations. Asks voters whether to retain or repeal a 2024 Massachusetts firearms law that expanded regulations involving ghost guns, assault-style weapons, firearms licensing and other gun-related provisions. A yes vote would keep the law; a no vote would repeal it.
Voters can review the full text of each proposal, along with official summaries and arguments for and against the measures, in the state’s 2026 voter information guide.
Early voting in Worcester
Worcester residents who prefer not to wait until Election Day can vote early in person through Friday, Oct. 30.
Early voting takes place at the Worcester Public Library’s main branch, 3 Salem Square.
Any registered Worcester voter may vote at the library during the early voting period, regardless of their assigned Election Day polling place.
The remaining early voting schedule is:
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No appointment or special reason is required to vote early.
Voting by mail
Massachusetts voters may request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. The deadline for election officials to receive a mail-in ballot application is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Applications can be submitted online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s voter information website or directly to local election officials.
Completed ballots can be returned by mail, delivered to the Worcester Election Commission at City Hall or placed in an official ballot drop box.
Worcester has ballot drop boxes at City Hall and the city’s 10 fire stations.
Ballots returned in person or through a drop box must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 6 to be counted. Because Election Day is approaching, voters who already have their mail-in ballots are encouraged to return them promptly.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
Worcester has 50 voting precincts, and residents must vote at their assigned polling locations on Nov. 3. Polling locations are determined by residential address. Voters who have moved or are unsure of their precinct should confirm their polling place before Election Day.
Residents can look up their voting information through the Worcester Election Commission or the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Where to get more information
The Worcester Election Commission provides information about polling locations, early voting, mail-in ballots and other election procedures.
The commission is located at Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St., Room 208, and can be reached at 508-799-1134 or elections@worcesterma.gov.
Statewide election information, including sample ballots, candidate listings and explanations of all nine ballot questions, is available through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s voter information website.
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