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We're committed to ensuring that every eligible voter in Massachusetts has the information they need to cast their ballot easily and confidently. With early voting officially open, we've got some information to make this process easy for all: Find Your Early Voting Location Early voting is available at specific locations throughout Massachusetts. Not sure where to go? We’ve got you covered. Click the link below to easily search for your local early voting site by city or town, as well as the times, and hours of operation for each location. ➡️ Find Your Early Voting Location Key Dates and Deadlines It’s important to stay on top of all the key deadlines: Early Voting Period takes place from October 22 to November 4 Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 30 Election Day: November 5 Make sure you plan ahead to ensure your vote counts, whether you’re voting early, by absentee ballot, or on Election Day Know the Issues: Learn About Ballot Questions and Key Races Being an informed voter is essential. From ballot questions to important local races, you want to understand what’s at stake before you cast your vote. ➡️ Read About Key Ballot Questions Learn about the questions we endorse with the help of the detailed voting guide offered by our trusted partners at the Massachusetts Voter Table. Let's ensure we make informed decisions this election! Below are the important ballot questions and reasons for voting YES : 1️⃣ Auditing the Legislature : More government transparency. 2️⃣ Eliminating MCAS as a Graduation Requirement : Fairer student assessments. 3️⃣ Unionizing Ride Share Drivers : Give drivers a voice. 4️⃣ Legalizing Psychedelics : Support mental health with proper oversight. 5️⃣ Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers : Ensure fair wages for all workers. Vote YES for a more just and equitable Massachusetts! ✅ Learn more at mavotertable.org or info@mavotertable.org . Have Questions? We’re Here to Help! If you have any questions about voting, need help with your absentee ballot, or just want to know more about the election process, reach out to us. We’re here to make voting as easy as possible for you. ➡️ Contact the Massachusetts Election Division Your Vote is Your Voice Whether you’re voting early, by mail, or on Election Day, your vote is your voice in our democracy. Make it count by taking advantage of these resources and getting your ballot in early! #EarlyVoting #Vote2024 #MassachusettsElections #YourVoteMatters #StrongerDemocracy #MassVOTE

With election season well underway, it's time to start thinking about Election Protection ("EP") volunteering! The Elections Protection Committee will once again be organizing Massachusetts' EP program for November's presidential election, and we at MassVOTE, along with other Steering Committee Members, are assisting with volunteer recruitment. We’re reaching out early to ensure our supporters have EP on their radar. Massachusetts' EP program is a statewide, non-partisan effort to ensure that all Commonwealth residents have an equal opportunity to access the ballot box. The program consists of two main parts: (1) a call center staffed by attorneys; and (2) a field program of hundreds of volunteers who provide in-person election day assistance to voters at historically problematic polling places. The Elections Protection Committee is currently interested in recruiting volunteers for the field program. In collaboration with the Elections Protection Committee, we will be providing trainings and opportunities for you to be a part of these coordinated Election Day efforts in November. In order to volunteer on election day, you will need to attend one in-person training and commit to a minimum of one three-hour shift on election day. The training takes place September 30th at 5:30 pm (virtually) . It's important to note that volunteers don't need any special qualifications—everything you need to feel comfortable in the field will be provided. We will be prioritizing the placement of field volunteers throughout polling locations in Massachusetts. We will be shifting according to proximity of neighborhoods and language accessibility needs. Last, if you could circulate this information to your network, we would greatly appreciate it. Also, if you have any suggestions as to the best location for a training for your members and volunteers, that would be very helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at info@massvote.org . We look forward to working with you!

In Massachusetts, the Senate recently approved a new rule to make voting easier. This change, pushed forward by Senator Cindy Creem, helps people who didn’t return their local census from being unfairly penalized by not being allowed to vote. Previously, these people were placed on an "inactive" list, making it harder for them to vote. This rule change is a big step in making sure everyone can vote easily. Many groups in Massachusetts have been working hard to remove these voting barriers, especially for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities who were affected the most. Leaders from groups like the ACLU of Massachusetts, Common Cause Massachusetts, and the Urban League have all supported this change, saying it's important to make sure everyone can vote without trouble. The amendment's success is seen as a win for democracy. It shows that Massachusetts is leading the way in making sure voting is fair and simple for everyone. This is especially important at a time when voting rights are being challenged in other parts of the country. Now, the focus is on making sure this rule becomes a permanent part of the state budget. It’s important for everyone to keep supporting this effort, so the new rule is put into practice correctly and helps all voters in Massachusetts. This could also encourage other states to make similar positive changes for voting rights. Approval by the Senate The Senate approved the amendment on May 23, 2024. Approval by the Senate means that the amendment has passed one critical stage of the legislative process. The next steps involve the amendment being reviewed and potentially approved by the House of Representatives. If the House also approves it, the amendment will then need to be signed into law by the Governor. Once signed, the new rule will be implemented and integrated into the state's voting regulations. It's never too late to celebrate a Senate victory! THANK YOUR SENATOR FOR COSPONSORING AMENDMENT 100!

DONATE In 1999, a small group of community leaders came together to close the voter turnout gap between white, suburban areas and urban communities of color. That group helped to found MassVOTE, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that seeks to increase voter participation in the state of Massachusetts. Today we work to increase voter registration, education, and participation in historically underrepresented communities throughout Massachusetts. We also promote social, economic, environmental, and racial justice. Early Voting Resources This is your chance to shape the future. Whether it’s your first time voting or you’ve been part of the process before, your voice matters. Early voting means you can beat the Election Day rush and make sure your vote is counted. Head to your local polling place today and be part of building a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Your vote is power—use it! #EarlyVoting #YourVoteMatters #MassVOTE ACT NOW! Calling All Young Civic Leaders The Young Civic Leaders (YCL) Program is MassVOTE's flagship initiative dedicated to empowering and educating the next generation of civic leaders. Our program is designed for high school students from diverse backgrounds across Massachusetts, focusing on equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become active and engaged citizens. Apply Here Check out our calendar for volunteer opportunities. Sign Up Here Discover how our programs are working to ensure equal participation in our political system. Register to Vote Our mission to enhance participation in the political system through education, involvement, and activism is reflected in our primary projects: DEMOCRACY FOR ALL Democracy for All originates from those who labored to build a culture of civic participation among historically disenfranchised groups in underserved communities nationwide. Today, these communities form the "rising electorate" of Massachusetts, encompassing people of color, naturalized citizens, youth, and low-income voters. The Democracy For All program carries on this legacy by promoting non-partisan voter education, engagement, and participation in our democratic system. Learn more FAIR ELECTIONS AGENDA For over a decade, we have been actively promoting voter participation and fair elections through legislative advocacy, voter activation, and educational initiatives. The Fair Elections Agenda is committed to ensuring transparency, access, and fairness in electoral legislation and processes. It strives to safeguard and uphold the principle of equal opportunity for all individuals to participate, vote, and contribute their voices to shape our sociopolitical future. Learn more YOUNG CIVIC LEADERS Our Young Civic Leaders program empowers high school students in Boston with the knowledge and skills necessary to become active participants in civic life. Aimed at cultivating a new generation of socially conscious leaders, the program invites students aged 15-19 to engage in a transformative journey centered around voter education, advocacy, and community engagement. Participants undergo a structured curriculum over the course of a school year, emphasizing key topics like the history of voting rights, voter suppression, and the significance of local and national elections. Learn more WOMEN'S PIPELINE FOR CHANGE The Pipeline is a coalition comprised of progressive women of color leaders, women of color-led organizations and allies from various sectors. We have advanced different initiatives to understand, build and support progressive women of color in public leadership that complement current organizations and resources in Massachusetts. Learn more Additional Resources We are excited to share the latest research report, "Ranked Choice Voting Elections Benefit Candidates and Voters of Color ." This comprehensive study, conducted by FairVote's senior research analysts Deb Otis and Nora Dell, with contributions from Chris Zawora and Omar Danaf, delves into the transformative impact of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) on electoral outcomes for communities of color. LEARN MORE READ OUR FEATURED CONTENT Your Early Voting Guide for Massachusetts – Everything You Need to Know Volunteer for Election Protection with MassVOTE Rule Change Brings Us Closer to Voting Equity 1 2 3 4 5 Who can register to vote in Massachusetts? To register to vote in this state, you must: 1. Currently living in Massachusetts. No length of stay required. 2. Be a U.S. citizen. 3. Be at least 16 years old to register to vote How do I register to vote? To register to vote you must: 1. Fill out a registration card. Mail it to your town or city clerk/election department. 2. Also register in person at your town hall or city election department. Get a card from a local non-profit, election clerk, or library. 3. Go to the website of the MA Secretary of State to print out a registration form. What are the registration deadlines? Registration cards must be postmarked or delivered 20 days before an election in Massachusetts. Do I have to re-register every year? No. Your registration is valid unless you: 1. Change your address 2. Change your name 3. Did not vote in two consecutive State Elections and have moved. State elections are held in every even year — 2012, 2014, 2016, etc. What if I move? If you move, make sure to re-register at your new address by filling out another registration card in your city/town. What about enrolling in a political party? You have three options: 1. Register in a Party: You may register to vote in one of the three parties in Massachusetts who have qualified for official party status–Democrat or Republican. 2. Register with No Party Affiliation: In Massachusetts, you may list yourself as “Unenrolled” which means you do not have a party designation. Remember that you will still have the option to vote in a major party primary (e.g., Democrat or Republican). 3. Another “Political Designation”: You can also choose from a party that is not considered an official party in Massachusetts. Like “Unenrolled” status, if you choose a separate party affiliation, you will still have the option to vote in a major party primary. If I forget to re-register at my new address in time for the election, can I still vote at my old address?" Yes. Register at your new address by filling out a registration card and mailing it to your local Election Department. If you haven’t changed your address you may be able to vote at your old address. Call your local election department. What does it mean to choose "unenrolled"?" Being unenrolled in Massachusetts means that you are registered to vote but not a member of a party. You may still vote in a Democratic or Republican primary without affecting your “unenrolled” status. “Unenrolled” is commonly referred to as independent. I became a new citizen after the deadline to register to vote. Can I still vote? Yes. As a new citizen, you may register to vote after the deadline. Go in person to the Election Department at City Hall up until 4 PM on the day before the election. You must bring your dated naturalization papers for them to copy. (MGL Chapter 51, Section 50) Which parts of the registration form are required? On a voter registration form you are required to provide: 1. Name First Name. Middle Initial or Name. Last Name. Other- Jr. III etc. 2. Former name if you are changing your name. 3. Current street address and Apt # for your voter registration. No PO Boxes. 4. Mailing address if you use a Post Office Box. 5. Birth date 6. Party affiliation. “Unenrolled” for no party. 7. Old registration address if you were registered before. 8. Date 9. Signature 10. An identification number: Your Driver’s License # or the last four digits of your Social Security #. If you don’t have these, write “None”. Which are optional? Phone Number… or information that does not apply to you like change of name or an old address if this is your first time registering. Do I need an ID to vote? Only in certain circumstances: 1. First Time Voter–If you are a first time voter who registered through the mail. 2. Didn’t Return Census Form–If you did not return your annual census form collected by every town and city in Massachusetts What kind of ID is accepted in MA? 1. Photo ID is not required. ID must include your name and the address at which you are registered to vote. 2. Valid Photo Identification (Drivers License, State ID issued for Non-Drivers, Student ID, Passport) 3. Utility Bill (gas, electric, cable, oil, water — no cell phone bills). 4. Recent Bank Statement 5. Government document like a paycheck stub. When are the 2024 Elections / Voter Registration Deadlines September 3, 2024 – State Primaries District: Statewide Offices on Ballot: U.S. Senator U.S. Representative Governor’s Councillor State Senator State Representative Register of Deeds Clerk of Courts County Commissioner (certain counties only) Voter Registration Deadline: August 24, 2024 Vote by Mail Application Deadline: August 26, 2024 Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 5, 2024 – State Election District: Statewide Offices on Ballot: Electors of President and Vice President U.S. Senator U.S. Representative Governor’s Councillor State Senator State Representative Register of Deeds Clerk of Courts County Commissioner (certain counties only) Additional local offices (certain cities & towns) Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024 Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. What is an 'inactive voter' Under state law, every city and town is required to communicate with each household and compile an annual street list – also known as a city or town census. Most cities and towns choose to communicate with residents by mail. If a voter fails to respond to the annual street list, they will be placed on the inactive voters list and their local election official will send out a confirmation notice, which the voter is asked to sign and return. The confirmation notice is meant to confirm that the voter continues to reside at the address at which he or she is registered, or if the voter has moved, update the address on file. Voters who fail to return confirmation notices will remain on the inactive voters list. If you are an inactive voter, it will be indicated on the list of voters when you check-in at your polling place. Before you may vote, you will be required to complete an affirmation of current and continuous residence. On this form, you must affirm that you continue to reside at the address at which you are registered, have moved within the same town, or have moved from one municipality to another Massachusetts municipality within six months of a state election. You will also be asked to present identification which shows your name and the address at which you are registered to vote. It is not required that you present photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains your name and address. As soon as you have completed the affirmation of current and continuous residence, you will be restored to the active voters list and be allowed to cast your vote. Where do I vote? Enter in your address here to see your voting location.

JOB OPENINGS AND MORE Internships ​ MassVOTE accepts interns during all semesters: ​ Spring Internship: January - April Summer Internship: June - August Fall Internship: September - December ​ MassVOTE interns assist all angles of the MassVOTE team, completing tasks related to policy and communications, voter education, and non-profit organization. Interns are expected to be current college students or recent graduates. Internships are unpaid. ​ If you are interested in interning at MassVOTE, please send your resume and cover letter to info@massvote.org .

Young Civic Writers Initiative ​ We Need You to Create Content for the Governor's Council Directory! Are you a high school student passionate about making a difference? Do you want to learn more about the political process and have your voice heard? MassVOTE is looking for motivated students like you to help create content for a comprehensive directory of the Massachusetts Governor's Council. ​ Why Does the Governor's Council Matter? The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, plays a crucial role in our state government. Composed of eight elected individuals and the Lieutenant Governor, this council meets weekly to make important decisions that impact our community. They provide advice and consent on: Warrants for the state treasury Pardons and commutations Gubernatorial appointments such as judges, clerk-magistrates, public administrators, and members of various boards Understanding the work of the Governor's Council helps you see how state government functions and the importance of civic participation. By getting involved, you can help inform your peers and community about these significant processes and the people behind them. ​ What You'll Do: Research: Dive deep into the roles and responsibilities of the Governor's Councillors. Create: Develop engaging and informative content for our online directory. Learn: Gain insights into the Massachusetts political landscape. Collaborate: Work with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. What's In It for You: Experience: Hands-on experience in research, writing, and content creation. Education: An understanding of state government operations. Community: Be part of a team dedicated to civic engagement and education. Impact: Contribute to a project that informs and empowers voters across Massachusetts. How to Get Involved: Who Can Apply: Young people ages 14-21 with an interest in politics, writing, or community service. Commitment: Flexible hours to fit your schedule. Available for all program dates and committed to participating actively. Location: Work remotely or join us at our Boston office. ​ How to Apply: Submit your application by June 30 with: A brief essay (300 words) on why you’re interested and what you hope to gain. Make a real impact this summer! Apply below or contact info@massvote.org for more info. Tell us more about you. First Name Last Name Birthday Phone Email Select an Address High School Grade Parent First Name Parent Last Name Parent Phone Number Parent Email Essay Send Thanks for submitting!