10th Suffolk Representative District Special Election
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 04:47 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 08:28 a.m. UTC
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Massachusetts you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Massachusetts
- 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 be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Massachusetts's site.
Can I vote early?
No, early voting in person before Election Day is not offered in this election. However, you may be eligible to vote an absentee ballot. Find the eligibility requirements for absentee voting and contact your local election office to check if you can visit their office to request and return an absentee ballot in person.
What do I need to bring?
You may be asked to show identification if you are voting for the first-time in Massachusetts in a federal election, you are an inactive voter, you are casting a provisional or challenged ballot, or if the poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification.
Acceptable forms include (must show your name and address at which you are registered to vote):
- MA driver's license or MA-issued ID card
- recent utility bill
- rent receipt
- signed lease
- copy of a voter registration affidavit
- letter from a school dormitory or housing office
- any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address
Voters without ID: If you're a first-time voter who is unable to present ID when you check in, you may vote a provisional ballot and return with acceptable ID by close of polls. If you're asked for ID for any other reason, and are not able to present ID in such a situation, you must still be permitted to vote. However, your ballot must be challenged. Your ballot will be cast normally, and will only be re-examined in the case of a recount, court order, or audit.
For more information, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website.
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. If you don't have an ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, you can still register by mail to vote.
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: Massachusetts does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in 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:
- A current and valid photo identification or
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
- More information here.
How do I vote by mail?
In Massachusetts, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office. You can also submit a mail ballot application online using the Massachusetts Mail Ballot Application System.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Massachusetts’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
No, this election does not offer in-person registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also 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's website or contacting your local election office.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : May 20
- Online : May 20
- By mail (postmarked by) : May 20
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You may be asked to show identification if you are voting for the first-time in Massachusetts in a federal election, you are an inactive voter, you are casting a provisional or challenged ballot, or if the poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification.
Acceptable forms include (must show your name and address at which you are registered to vote):
- MA driver's license or MA-issued ID card
- recent utility bill
- rent receipt
- signed lease
- copy of a voter registration affidavit
- letter from a school dormitory or housing office
- any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address
Voters without ID: If you're a first-time voter who is unable to present ID when you check in, you may vote a provisional ballot and return with acceptable ID by close of polls. If you're asked for ID for any other reason, and are not able to present ID in such a situation, you must still be permitted to vote. However, your ballot must be challenged. Your ballot will be cast normally, and will only be re-examined in the case of a recount, court order, or audit.
For more information, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.