The polls are open in Brookline on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for both town and State Elections.

When you approach the check-in table, first tell the poll worker the name of the street where you live, then the number of your residence and finally your name. As the voter's list is arranged by street, this is the quickest way to receive your ballot and keep any lines moving.

In a primary election, voters who are registered in a political party only may obtain a ballot for that party. If you are an "unenrolled voter" (commonly referred to as an "independent voter"), you may request the ballot of any party participating in the primary election.

If your name does not appear on the active list of voters, the poll worker should first check the inactive list and then contact the Town Clerk to determine if you are registered in another precinct. If you are on another list in the Town, you may go to that polling location and cast your ballot or vote at the Town Clerk's office.

If you are not on any list in the Town, but believe you have registered, you may request an "escrow" ballot. The escrow ballot allows you to cast your votes. Escrow ballots will not be counted in the tally of votes unless any race is close enough that the number of escrow ballots could affect the outcome. In such cases, the Registrars of Voters will review each of the escrow ballots individually to determine which should be counted.

Once you give your address and name at the check-in table, you will receive a voting authority slip. You will present this slip to the election clerk who will then lead you to the privacy of the voting booth. You may vote for the choices available on the ballot or, if you prefer, write-in the name of a candidate in space provided on the machine.

If you are disabled and need assistance, you may be accompanied by someone who can provide the needed assistance or request a poll worker to provide you with confidential, nonpartisan help.

Prohibited Activities
State law prohibits the display of political paraphernalia within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location. Signs, stickers, and even lapel buttons are not permitted within this restricted zone. State regulations also prohibit political solicitation within the restricted zone.