Fall State Election Underway

October 15, 2026
• With early voting opening on Oct. 17, we examine at the rules in place this election cycle.

So far, it has not been a quiet election season. Political ads have already been running nonstop for weeks on television and radio, rallies have been staged close to polling locations and lawn signs can be seen displayed just as prominently as the pumpkins and Halloween decorations.

How one participates in that tradition of casting a ballot has changed dramatically over the years. Early voting, mail-in ballots, absentee ballots and in-person voting at polling locations all have different practices associated with them. On this year’s ballot, there are two initiatives that may alter those rules further.

To be sure of what voters in Needham could expect, we spoke with Town Clerk Louise Miller. For more information on the races and ballot questions, the Needham League of Women Voters has an online guide and held a recent forum on the state ballot questions as well.

This story ran as part of the Needham Channel News, a weekly newscast airing on The Needham Channel every Thursday at 7:30pm. The Needham Channel News can be found on the Community Channel: Comcast 9, Astound 15 and Verizon 29. Most Thursdays it also can be viewed on our HD Channel on Verizon 2129, Astound 613 and streaming on this site.