Can you hold political signs at polls? New Bedford officials remind voters of the rules

NEW BEDFORD — As the general election approaches on Nov. 5, New Bedford city officials are reminding voters of some key rules to keep in mind as they prepare to visit the polls next month.

The election will determine the next president of the United States, as well as positions in the U.S. Senate and state House of Representatives. Additionally, voters will face five ballot questions on issues ranging from eliminating the MCAS graduation requirement to legalizing psychedelic mushrooms.

According to the New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners, voters should be aware of the following regulations:

State law explicitly prohibits activities such as “electioneering, campaigning, signature-gathering, and other specific political activities” within 150 feet of polling locations on election day and during early voting hours. This is to ensure that voters can cast their ballots free from influence or disturbance.

“No activity designed to aid or defeat a candidate or ballot question is allowed within 150 feet of a voting location entrance,” the city’s press release states. Examples of prohibited activities include displaying materials that could be seen as influencing voters, such as those containing a candidate’s name, policy proposal, slogan, or political party affiliation.

The Election Commissioners also highlight that citizens who are 18 years or older can perform several actions online related to their voting eligibility by the deadline of Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. This includes:

• Requesting a mail-in ballot through an application card sent out by the state.
• Filling out the application for a mail-in ballot online.

The cut-off date for applying for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29. Residents interested in mail-in ballots are encouraged to apply promptly to ensure their applications are received, processed, and that ballots are mailed out in a timely manner for voters to return them.

Early in-person voting will commence on Oct. 19 and will be open until Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main public library branch located at 613 Pleasant St.

On Nov. 5, New Bedford polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.