city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

2023 Election Calendar

You can find information on dates, deadlines, and candidate requirements for the 2023 Preliminary Municipal Election and Municipal Election on this page.

Signture Requirements

  • 1500 Certified Signatures of Registered Voters required for At Large City Councilor
  • 200 Certified Signatures of Registered Voters required for District City Councilor

The Boston Election Department will certify only up to an additional 20% more than the requirement.

Residency Requirement for District City Councilor:
  • Candidates running for District City Councilor must have been an inhabitant of said district at least one year preceding the election (St. 1982, Chapter 605, Section 6).
  • For Election Day on November 7, 2023, candidates must have resided in their district prior to November 8, 2022.

Deadline Dates

*Dates and deadlines below are the same for all candidates

April 19 at 9 a.m.

First hour and day for making application for nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241. For candidates to receive nomination papers, a statement of Candidacy must be completed by the candidate (not a representative), in the Election Commission office.

May 2 at 9 a.m.

First hour and day for distribution of nomination papers from the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.

May 16 at 5 p.m. (for At-Large City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for making application and distribution of nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.

May 23 at 5 p.m. (for At-Large City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for filing nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.

May 31 at 9 a.m. (for District City Councilor candidates ONLY)

First hour and day for making application for nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241 for newly redrawn City Councilor Districts. For candidates to receive nomination papers, a statement of Candidacy must be completed by the candidate (not a representative), in the Election Commission office.

  • If signed up prior to 12 p.m., will receive papers by 4:30 p.m.
  • If signed up after 12 p.m., will receive papers the next day after 10 a.m.
June 13 at 5 p.m. (for District City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for making application for nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241

June 23 at 5 p.m. (for District City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for filing nomination papers at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.

June 27 at 5 p.m. (for At-Large City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for registrars to complete certification of signatures.

July 5 at 5 p.m. (for At-Large City Councilor candidates ONLY)
  • Last hour and day for filing withdrawals or objections to nomination of candidates for City Offices
  • Last hour and day for filing withdrawals of nomination of candidates for City Offices where substitutions can be made
  • Last hour and day for filing substitutions caused by withdrawals or ineligibility

(All above can be done at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.)

July 7 at 5 p.m. (for District City Councilor candidates ONLY)

Last hour and day for registrars to complete certification of signatures.

July 13 at 5 p.m. (for District City Councilor candidates ONLY)
  • Last hour and day for filing withdrawals or objections to nomination of candidates for City Offices
  • Last hour and day for filing withdrawals of nomination of candidates for City Offices where substitutions can be made
  • Last hour and day for filing substitutions caused by withdrawals or ineligibility

(All above can be done at the Boston Election Department in Boston City Hall Room 241.)

Important Dates

September 2 at 5 p.m.

Last hour and day for registration of voters for Municipal Election.

September 12 from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Preliminary Municipal Election

October 28 at 5 p.m.

Last hour and day for registration of voters for Municipal Election.

November 7 from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Municipal Election

Back to top