How to Run as a Write-In Candidate — or Vote for One — in Burlington's April 11 Election
Burlington's April 11 election has open Town Meeting seats in Precincts 2 and 7. Here's how to run as a write-in — or vote for one.
This article is part of Burlington Buzz's 2026 election coverage. Find candidate profiles and more info at our Election Corner. Burlington's 2026 local election is on Tuesday, April 11.
Burlington's April 11 election is less than two weeks away. Mail-in ballots have been mailed, and the Town Clerk's office opens to begin accepting early ballots at 8:30 today. Most races have enough candidates to fill the open seats — but write-in candidates are always an option, and in races where seats remain open or uncontested, they can make a real difference.
Here's everything you need to know.
Open Seats for Burlington's 2026 Town Election
All town-wide seats have enough candidates for all open seats, but there are several open Town Meeting seats:
Precinct 2
- One 3-year seat
- One 1-year seat
Precinct 7
- One 3-year seat (After Jack Kelly's uncontested candidacy for the Planning Board is successful, he'll be ineligible to serve on Town Meeting.)
- One 2-year seat
How to Become a Write-In Candidate
You can read the full requirements on the Secretary of State website, but here's the practical version:
- Call the Town Clerk's office at 781-270-1660 and let them know you plan to run. They'll have your contact information ready to reach you on election night if you win. While you're at it, email hello@burlington.buzz so we can help spread the word.
- Tell everyone you know — and make sure they have your full address, because voters are required to include it for a write-in to count. For Town Meeting races, only voters in your precinct can cast a valid vote for you.
- Print labels with your name and address to hand out on Election Day (optional, but very helpful so voters can just copy your info).
- Be at your polling location on April 11, in a conspicuous but approved spot, to let voters know you're running. The Town Clerk can advise on approved locations — state law prohibits campaigning within a certain distance of a polling place.
How to Vote for a Write-In Candidate
Find the appropriate write-in line on your ballot and write in the candidate's name and address. You can see who's running here and look up your precinct here (look for "Precinct Map".
Remember: for Town Meeting races, you can only vote for a candidate from your own precinct.
If Burlington Buzz hears from any write-in candidates, we'll share the info in our newsletter so you can learn more about them.
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Early and Mail-In Voting are Underway
Early and mail-in voting for the April 11 election is underway. Request your mail-in ballot before April 6, and be sure it's received by the Clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day. If you'll be voting early, you can do so at the Town Clerk's office until April 8. Business hours are 8:30-4:30 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; Wednesday Town Hall is open until 7:00, and on Friday it closes at 1:00.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 11 at Burlington High School, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can anyone run as a write-in in Burlington?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the residency and voter registration requirements listed on the Secretary of State website.
Q: Do write-in votes count if the candidate didn't register?
A: Yes — you don't need to register to be a write-in candidate in Massachusetts, but calling the Town Clerk helps ensure they can notify you if you win.
Q: What information do voters need to write in a candidate?
A: The candidate's full name and address.
Q: How many votes does a write-in candidate need to win?
Massachusetts law doesn't specify a minimum threshold for write-in candidates. In practice, a write-in candidate wins if they receive more valid votes than any other candidate for that seat. In a race with no declared candidate — like the open Town Meeting seats in Precincts 2 and 7 — even a single valid write-in vote could theoretically be enough. The Burlington Town Clerk's office confirmed there is no statutory minimum.
