Last update: May 28, 2025 04:33 a.m. EDT
Last update: May 27, 2025 04:34 a.m. EDT
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Registration Summary
Massachusetts offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Massachusetts by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Contact the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Registration Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in Massachusetts you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be a Massachusetts resident
- be at least 16 years old (must be 18 years old to vote on Election Day)
- not have been convicted of corrupt practices in respect to elections
- not be under guardianship with respect to voting
- not currently be incarcerated for a felony conviction
Can I register to vote online?
- Massachusetts offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need an ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). If you don’t have a RMV-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Federal law requires that you provide your Massachusetts driver's license number to register to vote. 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 write "NONE" in the box and a unique identifying number will be assigned to you.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Massachusetts partisan primary elections.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in Massachusetts and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Massachusetts does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website or contacting your local election office.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can pre-register to vote in Massachusetts before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
- are at least 16 years old
- are a United States citizen
- are a resident of Massachusetts
- are not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction
You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person and pre-register if you are at least 16 years old and you visit any of the following public agencies in Massachusetts:
- local town clerk, election commission, and Board of Registrars office
- Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division office or regional offices
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
To pre-register using the Massachusetts online voter registration system you must be at least 16 years old. You are required to provide ONE of the following ID numbers issues by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV):
- Driver's License
- Learner's Permit
- State ID
If you don’t have a RMV-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote by mail on the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website.
When submitting your pre-registration application by mail in Massachusetts, you must be at least 16 years old. You are required to provide your current and valid Massachusetts Driver’s License number if you have one. If you have not been issued a Massachusetts Driver’s License, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write “NONE” in the identification number box.
You are also required to provide a copy of identification if you are registering for the first time and submitting your application by mail. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:
- current and valid photo ID
- utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
If you do not include a copy of identification with your voter registration application, you may need to show it the first time you vote.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens are exempt from voter registration requirements in Massachusetts. In order to get your ballot, you can submit an absentee ballot request using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Massachusetts. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Massachusetts's voter registration lookup tool.
Which election office should I contact?
- In Massachusetts, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth oversees elections and election administration in Massachusetts. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.