The Wareham Board of Selectmen has voted to postpone the May 5 Town Election to June 23. 

The board was given the authority to vote on the postponement, based on a new law signed by Governor Charlie Baker, regarding how towns may handle elections in light of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The new law allows anyone who is taking precautions against the coronavirus to vote by absentee ballot. In Wareham, all absentee ballots must be received by the town clerk before noon on Monday, June 22. 

Early voting by mail is also allowed. Applications must be received before noon on June 22.

Voters can get an absentee ballot or an early voting ballot by sending a signed request to the Town Clerk’s office or by filling out and returning the early voting application online HERE.

Early voting ballots must be received by the town clerk before the polls close at 8 p.m. on the election day.

The new law establishes a new voter registration deadline of 8 p.m. on the tenth day before the rescheduled election. For Wareham voters, that deadline is on Friday June 12.

The town will be using the official and absentee ballots used for the May 5, 2020 election. A sample of the ballot has been attached to this article. The sample of the ballot has been provided solely for context and is not meant to be used as an official means of voting.