BOSTON, MA — The state primary is a time to make your voice heard in Massachusetts politics. On September 8, Bay State voters will cast ballots to nominate candidates for the state legislature, representatives in Congress, councillors, and more.
Whether you’re voting for the first time in Massachusetts or just want a refresher, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shares information on the process, including how to register to vote and what to expect at your polling location.
How Can I Register to Vote?
To vote in the Sept. 8 state primary, you must be registered by Aug. 19 and be at least 18 years old on primary day. There are a few ways to register to vote in Massachusetts:
- Register Online — If you have a Massachusetts driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID, you can register to vote online.
- Register by Mail — To register by mail, download and fill out the voter registration form and send it to your local election official.
- Register in Person — You can register to vote in person at your local election office, the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or as part of any transaction at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) branch.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? You can check your registration status online.
Which Party’s Primary Can I Vote In?
If you’re enrolled in a political party, you can only vote for candidates in the primary of that party. That means if you’re registered as a Democrat, you can only vote for Democratic candidates. If you’re enrolled in the Republican Party, you can only vote for Republican candidates, and so on.
If you’re not enrolled in a party, usually referred to as an independent, you can choose which party’s primary you’d like to vote in when you arrive at the polling location.
If you’d like to change parties, you have to make the change by Aug. 19 by submitting a new voter registration form.
Where Can I Vote?
Your polling place is determined by where you live. You can find your polling location and a list of currently elected officials online by entering your address.
When Can I Vote?
Poll hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide, with some locations opening as early as 5:45 a.m. on Sept. 8. According to Massachusetts law, if you’re already in line when polls close, you must be allowed to vote. To find your polling location’s specific hours, contact your city or town’s election official. [NOTE: Wilmington’s polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.]
What Can I Expect When Voting?
When you arrive at your polling location, you should get in line to check in for your precinct. Once you check in, you’ll be guided through the voting process by poll workers.
- Provide Information to the Poll Worker — When you arrive, a poll worker will ask for your name and address. You may also be asked for identification. If your name isn’t on the list but you believe you have registered, or you’re listed incorrectly, you can cast a provisional ballot. That way your vote will be counted if local election officials can confirm your registration later. If you’re not enrolled in a party, you’ll be asked which party’s ballot you’d like.
- Mark Your Voting Choices — You’ll be given a paper ballot and directed to a voting booth to mark your choices. You have the right to bring documents into the voting booth for help, such as a sample ballot, voter guide, or campaign material, but you have to take them with you when you leave.
- Deposit Your Ballot — After leaving the booth, you’ll give your name and address to a poll worker again. You’ll then put your ballot in a ballot box or a machine that will tally it.
What if I Need Help While Voting?
If you need voting assistance because of a physical disability or if you can’t read English, you can ask a friend, family member, or poll workers for help at the booth.
Each polling location also has at least one accessible marking unit, called an AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal. The unit can give you audio cues, magnify your ballot, or read out your choices before printing your ballot, depending on your needs.
Can I Vote by Absentee Ballot?
Absentee ballots are available for certain Massachusetts voters who can’t make it to the polls on primary day. There are a few reasons you can request an absentee ballot:
- You believe you’ll be away from your city or town on the day of the primary.
- You’re unable to visit polling places due to religious beliefs.
- You have a disability that prevents you from voting at a polling place.
How Do I Vote by Absentee Ballot?
If you want to vote by absentee ballot, you’ll need to take a few steps:
- Apply for an Absentee Ballot — To apply for an absentee ballot, fill out an absentee ballot application and mail it to your city or town hall. Applications are available online or at your local election office. The deadline to apply for absentee ballots is noon the day before the election, but you should apply early to allow for mailing times. You can also arrange to vote in the office of your local election official.
- Mark and Return Your Ballot — When you receive your ballot, follow the instructions to mark your choices, and put it back in the proper envelopes. Then, you can either mail it back to your city or town hall or deliver it in person to the local election official. All ballots must be received by the time polls close on primary day to be counted. You can track the status of your absentee ballot online.
Now that you’ve learned about the voting process, you’ll know what to expect on primary day. Make sure you’re ready for Sept. 8, 2016 — learn about each candidate to become an informed voter and make your choice.
(NOTE: The above press release is from the mass.gov blog.)
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