How to Register to Vote

Who may register?
Only a person who is: a US citizen, and a resident of Massachusetts, and 18 years old on or before Election day

How can I register to vote?
By Mail: Mail-in registration forms are widely available. or call 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE and a form will be sent to you. Mail the completed form to your local city or town hall. You should receive a confirmation notice in 2 to 3 weeks. If you do not, please contact your local Election office to verify your voting status.


In Person: Go to any registration location and complete an affidavit of registration, which must be answered truthfully under the penalty of perjury. The questions on the affidavit will include your name, residence and date of birth.


At the Registry of Motor Vehicles: Keep your motor voter receipt until you receive confirmation from your local Election official. If you do not receive any confirmation, please contact your local Election office to verify your voting status.


When and where may I register?
There is no waiting period to be eligible to register to vote. If you move, you may register to vote as soon as you move into your new home.


You may register to vote: in person or by mail, by completing a mail-in registration form and delivering it to your city or town Election office, or at any local Election office in any city or town in the state and at any registration event you encounter anywhere in Massachusetts, or when applying for or renewing your driver's license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles or when applying for service at a designated voter registration agency.


Registration forms are also available at all colleges, universities, high schools and vocational schools.


What must I do if I've changed my address since I registered?
If you have moved within the same city or town, notify your local Election office of your new address in writing. If you have moved to a new city or town, you must register again.


Are there deadlines for registration?
Yes. In order to vote you must be registered:

20 days before all primaries and Elections, and/or
10 days before a special town meeting.

What should I do if I registered to vote and I have not heard from my local Election official?

If you have NOT received confirmation of your voter status from your city or town Election official within 2 or 3 weeks from the date you registered please contact your local Election office to verify your voting status.

 

Voting on Election Day State Elections: State elections occur every other year in even numbered years. The primary is conducted in September, and the election in November. This year, voting will occur on, NOVEMBER 7, 2006.   Where will I vote? Polling places are located in each precinct. Call your local clerk or Election commission to find out where your polling place is located. The phone number can also be found in the white pages, blue pages or business pages of your telephone book under the name of your city or town. When are Elections held? Presidential primaries are held once every four years in March. State Elections occur every other year in even numbered years. The primary is conducted in September and the Election in November. Town Elections usually occur every year sometime between February and June. Each town sets its own date. City Elections occur every other year in odd numbered years. The preliminary, if there is one, is held in September or October and the Election is held in November. If I cannot read or write English, can I vote? Yes, as long as you are registered. You may ask any person of your choice to help you or you may request help from the Election officials at the polling place. At the polls... Polls must be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for state Elections; the hours vary for local Elections. Sample ballots and instructions are posted at the polls on Election day. When you enter the polling place give your address and name to the Election official at the check-in table. If your name is not on the voters list read on to the next question for instructions. If you need help, ask an Election official for assistance. Should you spoil your ballot you may request another. What should I do if my name is not on the voter's list? Ask the Election officer in charge of the polling place to check your registration by looking at the inactive voters list and calling city or town hall. If that is not successful you may go to your city or town hall to attempt to establish your identity as a registered voter. If the Election officers there are satisfied of your registration, you will be given a certificate stating such. You may either vote there by absentee ballot or you may return to your polling place, present the certificate provided at city or town hall and cast your ballot there. If your registration cannot be verified, you may cast a ballot which is held aside and counted only if the Election is very close. This is called an escrow ballot.