By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation setting next year’s state primary election date for Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Supporters said this action is a standard step in the lead up to an election year to ensure the primary date complies with state and federal requirements. It ensures that local clerks are given necessary time to send and process vote-by-mail ballots for Massachusetts residents, and gives election officials the ability to meet a required federal timeline for sending ballots to military servicemembers and citizens overseas.

“Given the calendar, holidays, requirements that we allow time for overseas ballots, including for members of the military, and to allow time for the printing of ballots, setting a date can sometimes be difficult,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy), Senate Chair of the Committee on Election Laws. “This legislation will put the commonwealth in position to meet these obligations and run another smooth, safe and secure primary election on September 1, 2026. Now, more than ever, our democratic process must remain steadfast in the face of unprecedented federal uncertainty.”

“It is always important to be proactive in setting the primary election to ensure we select a date that encourages voter participation,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am glad that we settled the date a year in advance, giving voters ample time for public awareness and giving our hardworking election administrators ample time to prepare.”