MASSACHUSETTS
Election Information
Upcoming Elections
2008 General Election: 11/4/08
Voter Registration Information
The Lawyers’ Committee and its pro bono law firm partners have compiled comprehensive third-party voter registration guides for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These guides will help volunteers, organizers, and leaders navigate the complex rules that govern voter registration in each state.
Registration Deadlines
20 days before an election
Specific Deadlines:
2008 General Election: 10/15/08
Where to Obtain Registration Form
- Register Online Now
- Request registration form
- Local election office in any city or town in the state
- Registration event anywhere in Massachusetts, or
- Registry of Motor Vehicles
- A designated voter registration agency
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting is allowed if the voter is:
- Going out of the city or town on Election Day
- Ill or has a disability preventing a trip to the polling place
- Unable to make it to the polling place due to religious reasons
- A member of the Armed Forces or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed forces
- A U.S. citizen living overseas who will be at least 18 years of age before the next General Election and whose last residence prior to going overseas was in MA
Rules and Deadlines
- Absentee ballots can be found with the clerk’s office and must be requested by noon the day before the election.
- Ballots must be returned to the local election official.
- Ballot must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.
Early Voting
Yes, for voters who satisfy the requirements for voting absentee at the city or town clerk before the election.
Identification Requirements
At Registration:
- Current and valid photo identification or
- A current utility bill,
- Bank statement,
- Government check,
- Paycheck
- Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector
At Polls, voter will be required to show ID:
- If voting for the first time in MA,
- If registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003; and
- If not previously met the identification requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Current and valid photo identification or
- A current utility bill,
- Bank statement,
- Government check,
- Paycheck
- Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector
How to check registration
Contact city or town election official
How to locate polling place
Check online
Information for felons
Voter is eligible to register if not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.