Galvin: Cast mail-in ballots early

The state’s elections chief wants every vote counted in next month’s presidential election, but with more than 1.6 million mail-in ballots requested — a number expected to grow as the coronavirus mounts a comeback — he said it’s important voters cast their ballots early.

“We are very anxious that voters not only receive their ballots early but that they also return them early,” Secretary of State William Galvin said Monday at a State House press conference.

September’s primary election saw the largest number of mail-in ballots ever requested in Massachusetts and though Galvin has deemed it a “success,” nearly 18,000 ballots were rejected — most of which were mail-in ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. The most common reason for rejection for the 8,400 mailin ballots: They arrived too late.

Galvin said he’s “cognizant” of issues with the U.S. Postal Service, but said he’s encouraging city and town elections officials to set up plans with their local post offices.

More than 200,000 ballots have already been mailed out to GALFIN voters — the 30 communities with the largest volume of mail-in ballot requests earning priority, Galvin said. Lexington topped the list for mail-in ballot requests.

Mail-in ballots are due to arrive in all cities and towns by Monday, and Galvin said his goal is to have all of those ballots in voters’ hands by the end of the week.

Unlike during the primary, ballots that are mailed in and postmarked by Election Day but arrive later than Nov. 3 can still be counted as long as they arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.

“I think it’s important for voters to know that, but I also think it’s important that they vote as soon as possible if they can. If they are fully decided for whom they want to vote and their decisions on the questions, there is no reason to delay,” Galvin said.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 28, but Galvin said he would recommend doing so no later than Oct. 20 to provide enough time for that ballot to reach the voter and be returned by Nov. 6. Voters can track their ballots at www.trackmyBallotma.com.