Saturday, January 17, 2026

(Beginning 45 days before polls open) First day a town clerk can direct two election officials to open outer envelopes in order to check and sort absentee ballots, check the name of the early voter off the entrance checklist, and place certificate envelopes into a secure container marked “checked in early absentee ballots.” Notice to voters of defective ballots commences. (Note: this date occurs prior to the posting of the town meeting warning, providing clerks with flexibility should federal or state ballots be delivered early.)