Fall River election board designates Government Center atrium for in‑person early voting, approves schedule

The Fall River Board of Election Commissioners on May 27 unanimously designated the Government Center atrium as the city’s in‑person early‑voting center for the 2026 state primary and state election.

Chairman Lyons moved the item and, after a motion from Commissioner Santos and a second from Commissioner Campos, the board approved the designation by roll call. "The atrium will be the designated location for in person only voting for the state primary and for the biennial state election," Lyons said, announcing the vote.

Lyons also reviewed the election calendar and voter deadlines: the state primary is set for Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, and the state election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. She outlined early‑voting options the department will offer: one week of in‑person early voting before the primary (Aug. 22–28) and 14 consecutive days of in‑person early voting before the state election (Oct. 17–Oct. 30). Weekend hours are scheduled for 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; weekday hours will coincide with Government Center hours (8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Absentee/mail ballot application deadlines are Aug. 25 (primary) and Oct. 27 (state election).

Lyons urged timely applications and warned of processing lead times for mailed ballots. "If you're thinking about applying for a mail‑in ballot, do it as soon as possible," she said, noting post office turnaround recommendations and the department’s preference to receive applications early to avoid non‑deliverable return issues.

The board also reviewed municipal census and registration numbers that affect voting status: Lyons said the department has recorded about 22,000 inactive voters this year and reported 63,284 registered voters overall (44,160 unenrolled, 14,605 Democrats, 4,519 Republicans). She reminded voters that the municipal census long form is the city’s official residency attestation and that inactive voters must complete an affirmation of residency with precinct wardens to vote in person if they have not returned the census.

Lyons closed by describing the office’s outreach plan tied to the atrium designation: direct mail notices to all registered voters if precinct assignments change, large banner signage at relocated sites two weeks before election day, local PSAs and targeted signage and staff to guide voters to new polling locations. The commission did not set a separate follow‑up vote on the atrium designation; the motion was final and approved that night.

The board adjourned after confirming plans for additional public education meetings in the run‑up to September.