Know Your Rights: Voting in Massachusetts

• Register to vote at least 10 days before Election Day
• Check your city or town website for early voting days and vote-by-mail applications
• Check your registration status and polling place: WhereDoIVoteMA.com
• Must be a U.S. citizen and live in Massachusetts
• Must be 18 years of age or older 

• You can vote even if you do not write or read English.
• You can vote even if you have a criminal record.
• You may bring someone to help you in the voting booth. 
• Polling locations must be accessible to voters with disabilities. 
• You DO NOT need to show photo ID to vote. You may be asked for a form of ID if you are voting at a new polling place, are an inactive voter, or if your registration is challenged. Examples of acceptable ID include: a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease or any other printed ID which contains your name and address.
• Generally, you do not need to show photo ID to vote (except first-time voters, inactive voters, or if your registration is challenged).
• If your name is not on the voter list, you can cast a provisional ballot.
• If you are told you are on the inactive list, you can still vote and have your vote counted normally. You may be asked to show a form of ID and to sign an affirmation confirming your address.
• If you are in line when polls close, you can still vote. Stay in line!
• If you think your rights have been violated or have trouble voting, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

SIGN UP TO BE A NONPARTISAN POLL MONITOR

These trained, nonpartisan volunteers serve as voters’ first line of defense against confusing voting rules, outdated infrastructure, rampant misinformation, and needless obstacles to the ballot box.

JOIN THE ACLU OF MASSACHUSETTS ACTION TEAM

Action Team volunteers are the backbone of the ACLU of Massachusetts public advocacy work. These volunteers contribute to a variety of state legislative and local municipal campaigns on ACLU-related issues.