Voting in Massachusetts

You may be asked to show identification if you are voting for the first time in Massachusetts, you are an inactive voter, you are casting a provisional or challenged ballot, or if the poll worker has a practical and legal reason to ask for 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 that contains your 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.

To register in Massachusetts you must:

• • be a United States citizen
• • be a Massachusetts resident
• • 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 currently be incarcerated for a felony conviction