Updated August 11, 2023
A Massachusetts voter registration form is used to register state residents to vote in municipal, state, and federal elections. Individuals can register to vote at 16 years of age, but will not be able to cast a vote until they are at least 18 years of age on the date of the election. Voter registration can also be accomplished online (see link below). In order to participate in elections, you must register at least 20 days in advance of the election date; unless you are registering to vote in a special town meeting, in which case the deadline is 10 days before. If you are not able to provide a requested ID number on the form, you will need to attach a copy of a valid photo ID, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document showing your name and address.
Check Your Voting Status – https://www.sec.state.ma.us/voterregistrationsearch/myvoterregstatus.aspx
Deadline – 20 days before an upcoming primary or election; 10 days before a special town meeting.
Find a Polling Place – http://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx
Register Online – https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
Where to Send Voter Registration Form – Send it to your city or town election office.
Voter ID (Chapter 51, Chapter 54–Section 25B) – Although in most cases, you will not be required to show any kind of ID to vote, you may be asked to show an ID if one of the following situations applies to you:
- You are voting for a federal election in Massachusetts for the first time
- You are an inactive voter
- You are casting a provisional or challenged ballot
- There is reasonable suspicion to demand identification
If you are asked for identification, the following types of ID are acceptable: driver’s license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, voter registration affidavit, or any other identification which contains your name and address.