{"id":351478,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/massachusetts-voting-guide.html"},"modified":"2024-04-22T15:24:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T20:24:09","slug":"massachusetts-voting-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/massachusetts-voting-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Voting Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\" style=\"background-image:url(https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203118\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-banners-bkg_voting-ma\/voting-states-banners-bkg_voting-ma.jpg?_i=AA)\" class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-image\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1746219089\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-states-maps-Massachusetts\/voting-states-maps-Massachusetts.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-image\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">Voting in Massachusetts<\/div>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fl-simple-hero-logo\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203334\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-hdr_voting-logo-white-bg\/voting-hdr_voting-logo-white-bg.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"Your Voice. Your Rights. Your Vote.\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-logo\">\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">Massachusetts Voting Guide<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Massachusetts Voting Guide<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 22, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Find answers to your questions about voting in the next Massachusetts election in FindLaw&#8217;s Massachusetts Voter Guide. This page provides information about voter eligibility requirements, the voter registration process and deadlines, what you need at the polls for identification, early voting and absentee voting, and special accommodations for voters with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><b>Am I eligible to vote in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>To be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voter-resources\/registering-to-vote.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eligible to vote<\/a> in Massachusetts, you must be:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A U.S. citizen<\/li>\r\n<li>At least 18 years of age on Election Day<\/li>\r\n<li>A resident of Massachusetts<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In Massachusetts, there is no residency period to vote. You can become a registered voter as soon as you move to the state.<\/p>\r\n<p>The state also allows pre-registration to vote, and you can register as soon as you turn 16. When you turn 18, you are automatically registered to vote. Your local election office will mail an acknowledgment notice confirming that they have moved your name to the list of registered voters.<\/p>\r\n<p>The acknowledgment notice includes your party affiliation, if you pick one, and the location of the polling place.<\/p>\r\n<p>Note that incarcerated persons for felony convictions cannot exercise their right to vote.<\/p>\r\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        \n                        \n\n<div class=\"generalCardContainer\">\n            \n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <span class=\"\"\n        >\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203337\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-VoteHere\/voting-VoteHere.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                    <span class=\"fl-eyebrow fl-image-card-eyebrow\">POLLING PLACE FINDER<\/span>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/span>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n                    <h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Where Do I Vote?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/WhereDoIVoteMA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">This tool<\/a>, provided by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, allows you to check your polling place. To find your election information, you must provide your residential address.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n            class=\"fl-latl-card-footer fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n        >\n                    <a class=\"fl-latl-card-footer-link fl-text-lg-medium fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/WhereDoIVoteMA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\n                <span>FIND OUT WHERE TO VOTE<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fl-section fl-how-it-works\">\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-text-center\">How To Register in Massachusetts<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"fl-text-center\"><p>There are several ways to register to vote in Massachusetts. This includes registering:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-how-it-works-cards grid fl-mt30\">\n                            <div class=\"fl-icon-card\">\n                                        <div\n                        class=\"fl-icon-card-icon\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-icon\"\n                    >\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203342\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-howToRegister-in-person\/voting-howToRegister-in-person.svg?_i=AA\"\n                                                        class=\"fl-icon-card-image\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <h2\n                        class=\"fl-h3 fl-icon-card-title\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-title\"\n                    >\n                        In Person\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div\n                        class=\"fl-text-lg fl-icon-card-description\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-description\"\n                    >\n                        <p>You can register at any&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/ele\/eleclk\/clkidx.htm\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Elections in Massachusetts - MA.us\" rel=\"noopener\">local election office<\/a>, at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/seccon.htm\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Election Office Contacts - MA.com\" rel=\"noopener\">Elections Division<\/a>&nbsp;of the Secretary of the Commonwealth&#8217;s office, and at some public assistance agencies.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-icon-card\">\n                                        <div\n                        class=\"fl-icon-card-icon\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-icon\"\n                    >\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203367\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-online2\/voting-online2.svg?_i=AA\"\n                                                        class=\"fl-icon-card-image\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <h2\n                        class=\"fl-h3 fl-icon-card-title\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-title\"\n                    >\n                        Online\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div\n                        class=\"fl-text-lg fl-icon-card-description\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-description\"\n                    >\n                        <p>You can register online at&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.registertovotema.com\/\" title=\"Register To Vote - RegisterToVoteMA.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RegisterToVoteMA.com<\/a>. You will need your Massachusetts driver&#8217;s license or state ID because your legal signature is on file in those systems.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-icon-card\">\n                                        <div\n                        class=\"fl-icon-card-icon\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-icon\"\n                    >\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203386\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-howToRegister-dmv\/voting-howToRegister-dmv.svg?_i=AA\"\n                                                        class=\"fl-icon-card-image\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <h2\n                        class=\"fl-h3 fl-icon-card-title\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-title\"\n                    >\n                        At the DMV\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div\n                        class=\"fl-text-lg fl-icon-card-description\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-description\"\n                    >\n                        <p>Starting January 1, 2020, the Department of Motor Vehicles implemented the Automatic Voter Registration process during new applications and renewals as part of the Permit, License, or ID transaction.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-icon-card\">\n                                        <div\n                        class=\"fl-icon-card-icon\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-icon\"\n                    >\n                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203391\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-howToRegister-mail\/voting-howToRegister-mail.svg?_i=AA\"\n                                                        class=\"fl-icon-card-image\"\n                            aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                        \/>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <h2\n                        class=\"fl-h3 fl-icon-card-title\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-title\"\n                    >\n                        By Mail\n                    <\/h2>\n                    <div\n                        class=\"fl-text-lg fl-icon-card-description\"\n                        data-testid=\"icon-card-description\"\n                    >\n                        <p>You can&nbsp;download and print the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/ele\/eleifv\/howreg.htm\" title=\"Voter Registration Forms - MA.us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">voter registration form<\/a>. Complete it and mail it to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voter-resources\/find-my-local-election-office.htm\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Find My Local Election Office - MA.us\" rel=\"noopener\">local election official<\/a> using the correct postage.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h2><b>How do I register to vote in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/topics\/voting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">register to vote in Massachusetts<\/a>, you must follow certain guidelines depending on your specific circumstance.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>For students: <\/b>You can register to vote using your college address as your home address. If you are from out of state, you may choose to register to vote by absentee ballot in your home state if you consider your parents&#8217; home to be your home. You cannot register to vote in two states.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>For military and overseas voters: <\/b>You can complete an application and request an absentee ballot using the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fvap.gov\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Voting Assistance Program<\/a>\u00a0(FVAP).<\/li>\r\n<li><b>For survivors of violence: <\/b>Massachusetts participates in the Address Confidentiality Program to protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program provides an alternate address for at-risk people if located through a public record search.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/acp\/acpabtidx.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program<\/a> by calling 617-727-3261 or 1-866-SAFE-ADD to talk to someone about registering for this program.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>For homeless or impermanent voters:\u00a0<\/b>You can register to vote using the address of a homeless shelter where you reside or the address of the place where you most often sleep at night.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>For incarcerated voters:\u00a0<\/b>If convicted of a felony, your right to vote is temporarily suspended. When your sentence is completed, you can re-register to vote.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You are not automatically registered to vote by completing a voter registration application. Election officials must verify the information you provided on your application. They will contact you when they approve your application or if they need more information to support it.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>When is Massachusetts&#8217;s voter registration deadline?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The general deadline for voter registration, updating voter information, and changing political parties is 10 days before any election or town meeting.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you register online, you must submit your application by midnight on the voter registration deadline.<\/p>\r\n<p>For voter registration sent through mail, you should postmark your registration form on or before the voter registration deadline.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can still register to vote if you obtained your U.S. citizenship after the voter registration cut-off. Register in person at your local election office up until 4 p.m. the day before Election Day. Bring a document confirming your naturalization ceremony after the voter registration deadline.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How can I check my voter registration status?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The Elections Division provides an online tool for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/VoterRegistrationSearch\/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">checking voter registration status<\/a>. To find your voter registration, you must provide your voting information, which includes your full name, date of birth, and zip code, at the address where you are qualified to vote.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What is early voting, and how can I participate?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Any registered voter in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voting-information\/vote-early.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts can vote early<\/a>. Early voting in person is available for:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Regular state primaries<\/li>\r\n<li>Regular state elections<\/li>\r\n<li>Presidential primary election<\/li>\r\n<li>Special elections are held on the same day as a statewide election<\/li>\r\n<li>Special elections for U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In Massachusetts, you do not need a reason or an excuse for early voting. You can vote in person or voting by mail. You can cast your ballot at any early voting location in your municipality or city.<\/p>\r\n<p>State law provides the voting period for in-person early voting. For statewide elections, the period for early voting happens during the weekend for each voting community. Local election officials may also set the early voting schedule in your community.<\/p>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voter-resources\/find-my-local-election-office.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local election office<\/a> publishes the early voting schedule on the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website at least a week before the early voting period starts.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>2024 Early Voting Periods<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>State Primary:<\/b> August 24 \u2013 August 30<\/li>\r\n<li><b>State Election:<\/b> October 19 \u2013 November 1<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>How do I request an absentee ballot in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You must have a reason to request an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voting-information\/absentee-voting.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">absentee ballot<\/a> in Massachusetts. This could be that you won&#8217;t be in town on Election Day, have a physical disability that prevents you from going to the polls, or cannot vote during Election Day for religious reasons.<\/p>\r\n<p>You must request an absentee ballot in one of two ways by noon the day before Election Day. For Sunday or holiday elections, your request must be made by 5 p.m. on the last business day before the election. This can be done by:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/languages\/absentee-ballot-applications.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Downloading an online application<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Sending a letter to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voter-resources\/find-my-local-election-office.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local\u00a0election official<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>It is important to state on your application whether you need the ballot for one or all of this year&#8217;s elections. You must register for a new absentee ballot each year. If you have a permanent physical disability, you can provide a doctor&#8217;s note to receive applications yearly.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once you receive your application, you can submit it in person, by mail, by fax, or by email (signed and scanned). Remember you must return your ballots before the close of polls on Election Day.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you are a military member living overseas, you can use the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fvap.gov\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FVAP website<\/a>\u00a0to request an absentee ballot.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What do I need to bring to the polls in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you are a first-time voter in a federal election or your name appears on the inactive voter list, you may need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voting-information\/identification-requirements.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">proof of identification<\/a> at the check-in table. Poll workers may also ask for your ID if you are casting a provisional ballot or if the poll worker has legal and practical reasons to verify your identification.<\/p>\r\n<p>If poll workers ask you for identification, you may bring any document that has your name and address on it, such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\r\n<li>State ID card<\/li>\r\n<li>Recent utility bill, rent receipt, or lease<\/li>\r\n<li>A copy of a voter registration affidavit<\/li>\r\n<li>A letter from the housing office or school dormitory<\/li>\r\n<li>Other printed form of identification that shows your name and address<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If poll workers cannot verify your registration status, they may issue you a provisional ballot. If you return with an acceptable ID before the polling location closes, the election officials will count your provisional ballot.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What special accommodations are available?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>All polling places in Massachusetts are accessible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voting-information\/voters-with-disabilities.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">voters with disabilities<\/a>. You can bring someone to the polls to help you with all parts of the voting process, including preparing your ballot.<\/p>\r\n<p>Massachusetts polling places offer\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/essvote-1.wistia.com\/medias\/owccwvkg03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals<\/a>. These systems provide audio cues, contrast, and magnification for visually impaired voters<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you feel that your right to vote has been violated or you are concerned about voter fraud or illegal behavior in a polling place, call the Secretary of the Commonwealth&#8217;s Elections Division at 1-800-462-VOTE (8683). This call is free within Massachusetts.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can also report voting law violations to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/crt\/complaint\/votintake\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Justice<\/a>. If you feel your voting rights have been violated, you may contact a local Massachusetts attorney experienced in voting law.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Need More Information About Voting in Massachusetts?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The Massachusetts Secretary of State produces a comprehensive voting guide that explains the voting process and introduces the questions on the ballot and the list of candidates. Be sure to check the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/ele\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Election Division<\/a>\u00a0section of the Secretary of State website.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>You Don\u2019t Have To Solve This on Your Own \u2013 Get a Lawyer\u2019s Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Consider contacting <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/civil-rights\/massachusetts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a civil rights attorney<\/a> if you think your voting rights have been violated.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-contact-information\">\n    <h2 class=\"fl-h2 fl-contact-information-title\">Additional Information<\/h2>                        <a class=\"fl-text-sm-bold fl-contact-information-organization\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Massachusetts Secretary of State<\/a>\n                <div class=\"fl-text-sm fl-contact-information-address\"><p>McCormack Building<br \/>\nOne Ashburton Place<br \/>\nBoston, MA 02108<\/p>\n<\/div>    <p class=\"fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"><span class=\"fl-contact-information-label fl-bold-text\">Phone:<\/span>617-727-7030<\/p>    <p class=\"fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"><span class=\"fl-contact-information-label fl-bold-text\">Fax:<\/span>617-742-4528<\/p>            <p class=\"fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"><span class=\"fl-contact-information-label fl-bold-text\">Email:<\/span><a href=\"mailto:cis@sec.state.ma.us\">cis@sec.state.ma.us<\/a><\/p>\n        <p class=\"fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"><span class=\"fl-contact-information-label fl-bold-text\">Web:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/index.htm<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fl-free-text-component fl-free-text-component-light fl-free-text-component-\">\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n                    <h2 class=\"fl-title-H2 fl-no-margin fl-text-center\">Massachusetts Voting Resources<\/h2>\n                <p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 18px;\">Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fl-divider fl-divider-no-vertical fl-divider-white\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\"\n        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n        src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1748942224\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-thumbnails-latl-icon-voting-divider\/general-thumbnails-latl-icon-voting-divider.png?_i=AA\"\n        loading=\"lazy\"\n        alt=\"\"\n    \/>\n<\/div>\n\n                                \n\n<div class=\"generalCardContainer\">\n            <div class=\"cards-container cards-wrapper fl-cards-white\">\n            <div class=\"cards-container__content\">\n                \n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <span class=\"\"\n        >\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203398\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-VotingClipboard\/voting-VotingClipboard.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/span>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n            class=\"fl-latl-card-footer fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n        >\n                    <a class=\"fl-latl-card-footer-link fl-text-lg-medium fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/topics\/voting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\n                <span>REGISTER TO VOTE<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <span class=\"\"\n        >\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203430\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-Calendar\/voting-Calendar.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/span>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n            class=\"fl-latl-card-footer fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n        >\n                    <a class=\"fl-latl-card-footer-link fl-text-lg-medium fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/recent-updates\/upcoming-elections.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\n                <span>ELECTION DATES<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div\n    class=\"fl-image-card fl-image-card--no-max-width fl-image-card--no-min-height fl-card-with-children fl-latl-card fl-image-card-title-on-image fl-flex fl-flex-column\"\n>\n                    <span class=\"\"\n        >\n\n            <div class=\"fl-image-card-image-wrapper fl-image-card-image-wrapper-default\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\n                     src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1749203412\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/voting-CompletingBallot\/voting-CompletingBallot.jpg?_i=AA\"\n                     alt=\"\"\n                ><\/img>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/span>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-image-card-content fl-flex-basis-100\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n            class=\"fl-latl-card-footer fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\"\n        >\n                    <a class=\"fl-latl-card-footer-link fl-text-lg-medium fl-flex fl-items-center fl-justify-center\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/divisions\/elections\/voting-information\/absentee-voting.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\n                <span>ABSENTEE BALLOT<\/span>\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Voting in America is a right, a duty, and a privilege. Learn about absentee ballots, registering online, checking your voter status, and much more in the complete guide to voting in Massachusetts at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351407,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleVotingController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2731],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351478","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-voting"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351478\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351478"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351478"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}