Get Involved
Register to Vote in Massachusetts
On This Page
How to Register
- Online (fastest): Register at the Massachusetts Online Voter Registration System. You will need a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Automatic registration: Since January 1, 2020, if you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at the RMV, you are automatically registered to vote, and a notice by mail explains how to remove your name from the voter list if you choose. The same applies at MassHealth and the Commonwealth Health Connector.
- By mail: Download and complete the National Voter Registration Form and mail it to your local election office.
- In person: Register at your city or town clerk’s office, at any RMV location, or at the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office in Boston.
Who Can Vote in Massachusetts
To vote in Massachusetts you must be a U.S. citizen, a Massachusetts resident, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot vote if you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. People on probation or parole retain full voting rights and can register immediately upon release.
There is no residency waiting period. You can register as soon as you move to a new address in Massachusetts.
Pre-registration at 16
If you are 16 or 17, you can pre-register to vote now. When you turn 18 you are automatically added to the voter rolls with no additional steps.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Registration deadline: 10 days before any primary, general, or local election. This also applies when you change your address or party.
- New citizen exception: If you became a U.S. citizen after the registration deadline, you can register in person at your local election office until 4 PM the day before the election.
- Polls on Election Day: Open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Voters in line at 8 PM are entitled to vote.
- Early voting: Available before statewide elections. For general elections, early voting begins 17 days before Election Day. For primaries, it begins 10 days before. Early voting ends 4 days before Election Day.
- Vote by mail: Any registered Massachusetts voter can request a mail ballot, no excuse required. Apply by 5 PM on the fifth business day before the election.
Voting Options
- In person on Election Day: Go to your assigned polling place. Bring ID if you are a first-time voter who registered by mail, though Massachusetts does not require photo ID to vote.
- Early in person: Vote at any early voting location in your city or town during the early voting period.
- By mail: Request a ballot online, by mail, or in person. Return it so it reaches your local election office or a drop box by the close of polls on Election Day. For the November state election, a ballot postmarked by Election Day also counts if it arrives within 3 days.
- Provisional ballot: If your name is not on the voter list but you believe you are registered, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot. It will be counted once your registration is confirmed.
Massachusetts Primaries
Massachusetts has an open primary system with a twist. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote in that party’s primary. If you are unenrolled (no party), you can choose which party’s primary ballot to use on primary day. If you request a mail ballot for a primary and are unenrolled, you must specify which party’s ballot you want.
Unenrolled is the most common voter designation in Massachusetts. It does not mean you cannot vote in primaries.
Get Help
If you have questions about registration, eligibility, or voting, contact the Massachusetts Elections Division directly.
Registration takes a few minutes. The deadline is 10 days before Election Day.