For the first time ever, the state will hold voting prior to Election Day, starting on Oct. 24 until Nov. 4.

Early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. In Wareham, early voting can be done in person at Memorial Town Hall, 54 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02571 during the following dates and times:

• Monday, Oct.24: 8:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 25 - Thursday, Oct. 27: 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
• no early voting on Friday, Oct. 28
• Saturday - Oct. 29: 8:00 a.m. until noon
• Monday, Oct. 31 - Thursday Nov. 3: 8:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 4, 2016: 8:00 a.m. until noon.

Those who cast their ballots during early voting will not be able to vote on Election Day.

Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting.

Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their town on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. If you need to register to vote, you may do it online by visiting: www.RegisterToVoteMA.com.

Registration requires a valid license or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply on line. To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 Presidential/State Election, voters must register to vote or make any necessary changes to voter registration by Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Any questions or concerns, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-291- 3140.