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Boston, MA (02124)

37 ºF Low
Sunrise : 7:13 AM
Sunset : 4:28 PM

MassVOTE's Top Ten Tips for Voters

 

1. Vote early Turnout will be huge, so expect a line during peak hours. Vote between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. to avoid the rush. But don't worry - you have a right to vote if you're on line before 8 p.m., and polls will stay open until every voter in line votes.

2. Check your registration If you've moved in the last year, haven't voted for a while, or for any other reason feel your registration may be in question, call the Secretary of State at 1(800) 462-8683.

3. Know where you vote Some polling locations have changed in the last year. Call the Secretary of State's office, or check out WhereToVote - and be sure to use the address at which you are registered!

4. Do your homework The candidates are exciting this year, but so are the ballot questions. Know where you stand on eliminating the state income tax (Question #1), decriminalizing marijuana possession (#2), outlawing dog-racing (#3), and local ballot questions. And of course, research the candidates as well. Elections Division is a good place to start.

5. Absentee Ballot You may vote absentee if you will be out of town on Election Day or if you can't get to the polls due to physical disability or religious belief. Click here for an absentee ballot application.

6. CORI Voter You may vote if you have a CORI , or if you're on parole or probation, so long as you're a registered voter. Only people currently incarcerated for a felony are not eligible.

7. Bring ID Most voters are not asked for identification, but some are, especially those who are voting for the first time or who haven't voted in a few years. Your MA Driver's License will work, but so will a recent utility bill or rent receipt on landlord's letterhead.

8. Bring a friend You may bring anyone you choose with you into the voting booth (except your boss or union supervisor). Bring your children, or make it a romantic evening of dinner and democracy.

9. Marking the Ballot Mark both sides of the ballot, and if you make a mistake, ask for a new one. You have the right to ask for up to two replacement ballots if you make a mistake and spoil yours.

10. Get help at the polls Do you have difficulty speaking English? A disability? A question? You have to right to get help from the pollworkers.