Do Your Part
If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you have the privilege and right of voting. Casting your vote in local, state, and national elections allows you to express your opinions and enact change in the community. Your vote can make a difference in who has power in Washington, who controls the US foreign affairs, the Governor of your state, and the mayor, school committee and selectman of your town or city. Your vote sends a message that you have an opinion and care about the world you live in.
Who Is Eligible To Vote?
- Citizens of the United States
- 18 years of age or older
- In State and Local elections you must be a resident of the State or Town you are voting in
Registering To Vote
Q:When should you register to vote?
A: You must register to vote at least 20 days before an upcoming election, and you must be18 by the time of the election. For example, for the 2008 Presidential Election November 4th 2008 you must register at least 20 days before the election, October 15th 2008
Q: Where can you register to vote?
- You can register at your Town Clerk’s Office, which should be listed in your telephone book
- You can register at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles
- You can mail-in your registration form to your local Town Clerk (these then must be mailed or delivered to the Town Clerk’s office)
Q: Where are registration forms available?
- At your town clerk’s office
- At the local Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Online here, in the National Voter Registration form.
Q: How do I register?
- Obtain a Voter Registration Form from any of the locations above
- Fill the Voter Registration Form out completely
- Return the Voter Registration Form to your Town Clerk’s office
Q: Do I need Personal Identification (ID) to register to vote?
A: No, you will not need to show ID when registering to vote. However, if you do not fill out the portion of the Voter Registration form that requests either your Drivers License or Social Security Number, you WILL need to show ID at the polls.
Q: How often do I need to re-register?
A: You don’t! As long as your address and residency remains the same, you are registered for life, and are able to vote in any local, state and national election.
Q: What if I move?
If you have moved within the same city or town, notify the local Clerk’s office of your new address in writing. If you have moved to a new city or town, you must register to vote again.
Absentee Registering & Voting
Absentee voting and registration is for people who will not be in their voting location on Election Day, or who cannot physically go to a polling place. This is convenient for college students, the elderly, and the disabled, members of military, people who cannot go to polls because of religious beliefs and people who are traveling over Election Day. YOU MUST BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTING.
Q: How can I apply for an Absentee Ballot?A: Apply in writing to your Town or City Clerk, including your
- Name
- Address as Registered
- Precinct (if you know it)
- Address you wish the absentee ballot to be sent to you
- In a primary election, you must request the party ballot you want
- Your signature
Q: When can I apply for an Absentee Ballot?
A: Anytime prior to the date of the election. However, it is suggested that you do it earlier rather than, for example, the day before the election.
Q: How often must I apply for Absentee Balloting?A: Each year you must apply, and mark which elections you want an absentee ballot for.
Q: Where do I send my completed Absentee Ballot Application?A: To your Town Clerk’s office in the City or Town in which you are registered.
Q: Where do I send my completed Absentee Ballot?A: To your Town Clerk’s office in the City or Town in which you are registered.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you are, for some reason, unable to mark you ballot, get to a polling place, or have other concerns regarding the voting and registering process, the State Election Division and your Town Clerk should be able to help you. They will inform you of what accommodations can be made and what you can do. Nobody should be denied the vote because they need some form of assistance.
- MA State Election Division: (617) 727-2828
- Westborough Town Clerk’s Office (508) 366-3020