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Voting Resources: Register

This guide provides important non-partisan voter registration information

banner VOTING IN MASSACHUSETTS

Voter Registration Requirements in Massachusetts

You can register to vote in Massachusetts if you are:

  • a United States citizen 
  • a resident of Massachusetts (including a college student temporarily residing in MA)
  • 18 years old or older. Your can pre-register to vote at 16 and will be automatically moved to the voting rolls when you turn 18
  • Not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction 

Online Registration

For online voter registration, a Massachusetts drivers license or state ID is required.

Mail-in Registration

For mail-in registration, you need: 

  • Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number
  • Your Massachusetts Driver's License Number
  • Your Massachusetts ID Number

If you do not have any of these IDs, you can provide a copy of one of the following with your registration application:

  • Current and Valid Photo ID
  • Government Issued Document that shows your current name and address
  • Utility Bill
  • Government Check
  • Bank Statement
  • Paycheck that Shows your Current Name and Address

You can alternatively provide one of these documents when you vote to complete your registration.

Voting In-Person

If you are registered to vote in Massachusetts, in certain cases you may be required to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Paycheck that shows your Current Name and Address
  • Current and Valid Photo ID
  • Utility Bill
  • Bank Statement
  • Valid Massachusetts Driver's License
  • Government Check
  • Government Issued Document that shows your Current Name and Address
  • Lease
  • Rent Receipt

Massachusetts 2024 Election Deadlines

Important Dates for Massachusetts

Registration Deadlines

  • Saturday, October 26, 2024: Online registration deadline
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024: Register by mail deadline (must be postmarked by this date)
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024: In-person registration deadline

Mail and Absentee Deadlines

  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Request an absentee ballot (must be received by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot by mail (must be postmarked by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot in-person (must be turned in by 8:00 p.m. EST)

Voting Deadlines

  • October 19 - November 1: Early voting
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: In-person voting

Absentee or Vote-By-Mail in Massachusetts

You must be registered to vote to request an absentee ballot

You can vote by absentee ballot if:

  • You will be away from your city or town on Election Day
  • You have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location on Election Day
  • You have a disability that prevents you from voting at your polling location

To request an absentee ballot: 

  • Download and complete an Absentee Application or write a letter requesting an absentee ballot
  • Submit the letter or form to your local election office by mail, email, fax, or in-person

Deadlines:

  • Requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the 5th business day before the election. 
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Request an absentee ballot (must be received by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot by mail (must be postmarked by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot in-person (must be turned in by 8:00 p.m. EST)

You must be registered to vote to request a mail ballot. 

No-excuse early voting by mail is available for:

  • State elections
  • State primaries
  • Presidential primaries
  • Most local elections

You can request your Vote by Mail ballot:

Deadlines: 

  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Request a mail-in ballot (must be received by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot by mail (must be postmarked by this date)
  • Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Return ballot in-person (must be turned in by 8:00 p.m. EST)

Banner VOTING OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS

Voting Options for Out-Of-State Students

If you're considering registering to vote in your hometown, it's a good idea to also request an absentee ballot. Keep in mind that registration requirements can differ significantly from state to state. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to check the specific requirements for your state here vote.gov/register.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my voting options as an out-of-state student?

You have two main options:

  1. Register to vote in Massachusetts using your WPI address
  2. Maintain your voter registration in your home state and vote by absentee ballot

Can I vote while attending school in Massachusetts?

Yes, you have options for voting while attending WPI. As an out-of-state student, you can choose to vote using your home state address or your Massachusetts address, but not both

Can I keep my home state voter registration and still vote?

Yes. If you maintain your voter registration in your home state, you can request an absentee ballot to vote in your home state elections

Is there a deadline for requesting an absentee ballot from my home state?

Deadlines vary by state. In most states you have to register at least 30 days before voting day. However, it's advisable to request your absentee ballot as early as possible to ensure you receive it in time. Check with your home state's election office for specific deadlines