On Super Tuesday, voters in Massachusetts are gearing up to cast their ballots in one of the most critical events on the American political calendar. Starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, residents of the Bay State, along with voters from 16 other states and one U.S. territory, will head to the polls to participate in the quadrennial volley of voting that will play a significant role in determining the presidential nominees of the major political parties.

While early voting in Massachusetts began two weeks ago, thousands are still expected to show up at various polling locations, including school gyms and community centers, to vote in person. Mail-in ballots have been steadily pouring in from voters across the state, spanning from the Berkshires to Boston.

The Massachusetts primary features several notable candidates. On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump is facing competition from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, as well as candidates who have dropped out of the race, such as former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Meanwhile, on the Democratic front, President Joe Biden is up against U.S. Representative Dean Phillips from Minnesota, with author Marianne Williamson also appearing on the ballot.

According to the Real Clear Politics polling average, Trump currently holds a significant lead in Massachusetts, with an average of 63.4%. In the 2016 Republican primary, he emerged victorious in Massachusetts with 49.3% of the vote. In 2020, despite facing minimal opposition, Trump secured a landslide victory, capturing 87.7% of the Republican support.

Although Haley won the Republican primary in Washington, D.C., on Monday, she has failed to gain traction in other Republican contests, including her home state of South Carolina. Thus, the race in Massachusetts is primarily seen as a two-way battle between Trump and Biden, even as Haley insists on remaining in the race.

While Biden is the favored candidate to win the Democratic nomination, he continues to face dissent within his own party. Initially driven by concerns regarding Biden's age and fitness for office, a protest movement emerged in support of Dean Phillips' insurgent candidacy. More recently, some progressive voters have expressed disapproval of Biden's stance on Israel's conflict with Hamas, resulting in calls to vote "no preference" on the primary ballot.

Aside from the presidential primary, Massachusetts voters will also make crucial decisions in down-ballot races, including those for state party committee members and town and ward committee members. The outcome of the committee elections will largely determine the future direction of the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Furthermore, six towns will hold concurrent municipal elections, and a Central Massachusetts special election for a vacant House seat will see Republican John Marsi running unopposed.

As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, it is essential to know the voting procedures. Polls generally open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., although some towns may have different hours. Massachusetts operates an open primary system, allowing voters who are not enrolled with a party to participate. Democrats and Republicans will vote in their respective party primaries.

It is crucial to remember that if you encounter any voter interference or intimidation, report it to an election judge or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). If you have received a mail-in ballot, be sure to return it by 8 p.m., when the polls close, using a designated dropbox.

Massachusetts voters have a significant opportunity to influence the presidential race by casting their ballots on Super Tuesday. The results from the state's primary will be closely watched as the nation progresses further into the 2024 election season.