Voters who will be out of town or otherwise unable to go to the polls next Tuesday have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply for an absentee ballot. According to Secretary of State William Galvin's office, which issued a reminder of the deadline on Tuesday, the deadline to return absentee ballot applications typically falls at noon the day before Election Day.

The state primary this year is Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day, and the holiday shifts the application deadline to 5 p.m. on the last business day before the election -- Friday, Aug. 24.

Voters can cast absentee ballots in-person at their town or city election offices up until 5 p.m. on Friday, and Galvin's office recommended calling ahead to arrange a convenient time as office hours vary. Those who plan to vote by mail are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible to allow time for it to be sent to them and then returned to their elections officials. Signed and completed absentee ballots can be mailed, faxed or emailed to a local elections offices, and they must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

For residents who are voting in-person, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Absentee ballot applications are available on the secretary of state's website.