Massachusetts Voting Guide

How do I register to vote in Massachusetts?

• For students: You can choose to register to vote using your college address as your home address. Or, 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' home to be your home. You cannot register to vote in two states.
• For military and overseas voters: You can complete an application and request an absentee ballot by using the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).
• For survivors of violence: Massachusetts participates in the Address Confidentiality Program to protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program provides an alternate address for those who would be at risk if located through a public record search. Learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program. Call 617-727-3261 or 1-866-SAFE-ADD to talk to someone about registering for this program.
• For homeless or impermanent voters: You can register to vote using the address of a homeless shelter where you reside or the address of the place you most often sleep at night.
• For incarcerated voters: If you were convicted of a felony, your right to vote is temporarily suspended. When your sentence is completed, you can re-register to vote.

You are not automatically registered to vote simply by completing a voter registration application. The information you provided on your application must still be verified by election officials. You will be contacted when your voter registration application is approved, or if more information is needed.

To determine if you are registered to vote, use the Massachusetts Voter Lookup.

When is Massachusetts's voter registration deadline?

If you are registering online, your application must be submitted by midnight on the date of the voter registration deadline. Voter registration forms submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than the voter registration deadline. The deadline to register is 20 days prior to Election Day (or 10 days prior to a special town meeting).

What is early voting and how can I participate?

Early voting began in Massachusetts in 2016 for the general election and it has been popular. Anyone can vote early. You do not need a reason. Early voting begins 15 days before and ends four days before Election Day. There is a discussion of expanding early voting to the primaries as well. Every municipality has at least one early voting center. Find your voting place information here.

How do I request an absentee ballot in Massachusetts?

You must have a reason to request an absentee ballot in Massachusetts. This could be that you won't be in town on Election Day or have a physical disability that prevents you from going to the polls.

There are two ways to request an absentee ballot — both of which must be done by 12 p.m. the day before Election Day (or, for Sunday or holiday elections, by 5 p.m. on the last business day before the election):

• Download an online application
• Send a letter to a local election official

It is important to state on your application whether you need the ballot for one election or all of this year's elections. Generally, you will need to register for a new absentee ballot each year. If, however, you have a permanent physical disability, you can provide a doctor's note to receive applications every year.

Once you receive your application, you can submit it in-person, by mail, by fax, or by email (signed and scanned). Remember that your ballot must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day.

If you are a military member or are living overseas, you can use the FVAP website to request an absentee ballot.

What do I need to bring to the polls in Massachusetts?

You may be asked for an ID at the check-in table if you are a first-time voter in a federal election, if your name is on the inactive voter list, if the poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to ask for one, or because your name is not on the registered voter roll. If your registration cannot be verified, you will be given a provisional ballot.

If you are asked for an ID, bring a printed document that has your name and address on it such as:

• Driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Recent utility bill, rent receipt, or lease
• A copy of a voter registration affidavit

What special accommodations are available?

All polling places in Massachusetts are accessible. You can bring someone with you to the polls to help you with all parts of the voting process, including preparing your ballot.

Massachusetts polling places offer AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals. These systems offer audio cues, contrast, and magnification for visually impaired voters

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

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's Elections Division at 1-800-462-VOTE (8683). This call is free within Massachusetts.

You can also report voting law violations to the U.S. Department of Justice. Or you may choose to contact a local Massachusetts attorney experienced in voting law if you feel your voting rights have been violated.

Need More Information About Voting in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Secretary of State produces a comprehensive voting guide that explains not only the voting process, but also introduces the questions that will be on the ballot and the list of candidates. Be sure to check the Election Division section of the Secretary of State website.