Want to register to vote in an upcoming election? There are three ways to do it.
Before you get started online
You must be a United States citizen and a resident of Massachusetts to vote. You have to be 18 on or before Election Day.
If you’re 18 after the deadline but before Election Day, you can register to vote. You still need to register by the deadline though.
You must register 10 days before all primaries and general elections. The deadline also applies to when you change your address or political party.
If you moved within Boston — or moved to the City from another part of the state — you'll have to re-register with your new address. There's no residency waiting period in Massachusetts. You can register as soon as you move to your new address.
Not sure if you're already registered to vote in Massachusetts? Check your voter registration status.
Register to vote online
The state online system is the easiest way to register. You can register to vote, make changes to your contact information, and change your party status.
Visit the state’s Voter Registration website. You'll need:
- a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or State ID, and
- a signature on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
If you don't have an ID, you can fill out the form online and mail it.
If you have questions about the website, contact the state Elections Division at 617-727-2828.
Before you get started by mail
You must be a United States citizen and a resident of Massachusetts to vote. You have to be 18 on or before Election Day.
If you’re 18 after the deadline but before Election Day, you can register to vote. You still need to register by the deadline though.
You must register 10 days before all primaries and general elections. The deadline also applies to when you change your address or political party.
If you moved within Boston — or moved to the City from another part of the state — you'll have to re-register with your new address. There's no residency waiting period in Massachusetts. You can register as soon as you move to your new address.
Not sure if you're already registered to vote in Massachusetts? Check your voter registration status.
Complete the Registration Form
You can fill out either one of these forms on the State website:
- the Massachusetts Mail-In Registration Form
- the Massachusetts Mail-In Registration Form (Spanish), or
- the National Voter Registration Form, which includes instructions.
Mail your registration to us
1 City Hall Square, Room 241
Before you get started in person
You must be a United States citizen and a resident of Massachusetts to vote. You have to be 18 on or before Election Day.
If you’re 18 after the deadline but before Election Day, you can register to vote. You still need to register by the deadline though.
You must register 10 days before all primaries and general elections. The deadline also applies to when you change your address or political party.
If you moved within Boston — or moved to the City from another part of the state — you'll have to re-register with your new address. There's no residency waiting period in Massachusetts. You can register as soon as you move to your new address.
Not sure if you're already registered to vote in Massachusetts? Check your voter registration status.
Complete the registration form
You can fill out either one of these forms on the State website:
- the Massachusetts Registration Form
- the Massachusetts Registration Form (Spanish), or
- the National Voter Registration Form, which includes instructions.
Forms are also available at Boston City Hall in the Election Department, Room 241.
Bring the registration to us
Bring your completed registration to Boston City Hall:
Election Department
1 City Hall Square, Room 241
Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where to vote
You have to vote at the place determined by your address. After you register, you'll get a notice with the address for where you'll go to vote. You can check your voting location online. Make sure you are registered to vote at the address you are looking up. Please remember your ward and precinct number. Some voting locations have more than one precinct.
Related voting information
Absentee ballots
If you’re going to be out of town, you can apply for an Absentee Ballot. Please note: Your application must be received by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day before election day:
Register as an independent
The state doesn't use the term “Independent.” Just check the box for “no party” (unenrolled) instead. You can still vote in the primaries if you’re unenrolled, you just have to declare a party when you check-in on primary day. After the primary, you'll switch back to No Party for future elections.
Political Designations
They’re created when 50 or more registered voters request a change of designation with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Designations are usually based on a certain cause or belief. You can search the Massachusetts Directory of Political Parties and Designations.
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Need to Know:- View guidelines for organizing a voter registration drive.
- Learn how to change your voter status from inactive to active.
- The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will also take your completed registration form. Check the Registry's website to find a location near you.
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Contact:
Election
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1 City Hall Square, Room 241
Boston, MA 02201
