Massachusetts

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Massachusetts by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Massachusetts’ Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Secretary of the Commonwealth website, or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

The application is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Khmer, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cyrillic, or Vietnamese.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 20 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Massachusetts varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Massachusetts driver's license number. If you do not have a current and valid Massachusetts driver's license, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you must indicate 'none' on the application.

Registering to vote by mail

Federal law requires that you provide your driver's license number to register to vote. If you do not have a current and valid Massachusetts' driver's license then you must provide the last four (4) digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you must write 'NONE' in the box and a unique identifying number will be assigned to you. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need your ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Massachusetts driver's license number. If you do not have a current and valid Massachusetts driver's license, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you must indicate 'none' on the application.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Federal law requires that you provide your driver's license number to register to vote. If you do not have a current and valid Massachusetts' driver's license then you must provide the last four (4) digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you must write 'NONE' in the box and a unique identifying number will be assigned to you. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Massachusetts can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Massachusetts’s voter registration page on their Secretary of the Commonwealth website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Massachusetts, you need to be registered to vote at least 20 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

No, Massachusetts does not have same-day voter registration. This means you cannot register to vote on Election Day. You must register at least 20 days before an election in order to vote.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

No, in Massachusetts, you cannot register to vote during early voting. You must register at least 20 days before an election in order to vote. 

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Massachusetts residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be 16 years old
• Not be not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction

In Massachusetts, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Massachusetts gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses. 

Massachusetts does, however, allow for open primaries.