How do I register to vote in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts joined the same-day registration states with the 2022 VOTES Act and has expanded automatic registration since 2018.

1. Eligibility (Mass. Const. amend. art. III; G.L. c. 51, § 1)

U.S. citizen.

18 years old by Election Day (pre-register at 16).

MA resident at the address provided.

Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction — voting rights restored upon release (parolees and probationers may vote).

Not under guardianship that includes loss of voting rights.

2. How to Register

Online: sec.state.ma.us/ovr (requires MA DL/ID).

Automatic Voter Registration at the RMV and MassHealth.

Paper: mail to local election official.

Same-Day Registration under the VOTES Act (G.L. c. 51, § 33B) — at the polls or during early voting with proof of residence.

3. Deadlines

Standard: 10 days before Election Day (G.L. c. 51, § 26).

Same-Day: at any early voting location and on Election Day.

4. ID Requirements

MA DL/ID or last 4 of SSN at registration.

At the polls: ID generally not required, but first-time voters and inactive voters may be asked to show ID under HAVA.

5. College Students

May register at school address; MA recognizes student residency for voting.

This is legal information, not legal advice.