Voter Registration in Massachusetts:�A Presentation for High Schools�2026

Your Vote Matters

• You are voting for candidates who will support the issues and policies that matter to you.
• Who will do the best job of supporting your future?
• Who will be a fair decision maker working for the good of all?
• Many elections are decided by a small margin of votes.

Young People Can Influence Election Outcomes IF THEY VOTE!

• For the 2024 Presidential Election

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In Massachusetts, in the 18–19 age group only 21% of registered voters voted, in contrast to 60% in Minnesota.

• In local town elections with all ages combined, only 7 to 30% of registered voters participated last spring.

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Young People Have a Lower Voter Participation Rate

LWV and Your School Want to Prepare You to Vote

Congratulations Graduate!

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Our graduation card gives you all the information you need to be prepared.

Who Can Register to Vote in MA?

• You are a U.S. citizen
• A resident of Massachusetts
• 16 years old*

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If you meet the above requirements, you may apply online, by mail, or in-person.

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*16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register but

may not vote until they turn 18.

When to Register to Vote?

You should register to vote (or update your registration) if:

You are a newly eligible voter in MA:

• New U.S. citizen
• Just turned 16, 17, or 18 years old
• Moved here from out of state
• Never registered in MA
• You changed your address
• You wish to change your party enrollment

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We Can Help You Register Today

• Students who have a driver’s license or permit are most likely automatically registered.
• To be sure, check your registration status using the QR code provided.
• If not, use the QR code to register online if you have your driver’s license number.
• If you don’t have it, you can take a paper registration form and use your social security number to register. Complete it at home and mail it in if you don’t have it now.

What if I Am Not Ready Right Now?

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• If you are not ready to register right now, you don’t have to.
• But listen to this information anyway, because it will help you when you are ready.

When Are the Next Elections?

• Some towns have spring elections. (Barnstable has fall elections in odd numbered years.)
• September 1, 2026 – State Primary
• November 3, 2026 – State Election including:
• Governor
• State Representatives
• US Senator
• US Congressional Representative

Why Should I Make a Plan to Vote?

• Because you have choices about voting options that match your schedule.
• Vote by Mail – If you are away from home this is a good option for you. You need to fill out an application to Vote by Mail by the deadline either online or at your town clerk’s office. If you are in the military apply for an absentee ballot online or through your town clerk.
• Early Voting in Person – This gives you flexible dates and times and avoids long lines.
• Vote in Person on Election Day – 7AM to 8PM

If you register now, you won’t need to register again unless you change your address or name.

• The deadline to register to vote in any election or regular town meeting is twenty (20) days prior to the date of the election or meeting.
• The specific deadlines for the September Primary and the November 3^rd Election are on your graduation card.
• The deadline to register to vote in a special town meeting is ten (10) days prior to the special town meeting.

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How Do I Know Who & What to Vote For?

• Do your homework. See your graduation card for non-partisan resources to help you learn about the candidates and ballot questions.
• View a sample ballot from your town clerk’s website. It is helpful to see this in advance.
• As a new voter it may feel overwhelming. It’s ok to vote for some offices or ballot questions and leave others blank.

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How Do I Know Where to Vote if I Vote in Person?

• When you are registered, your town clerk will mail you an acknowledgement of your registration and assign you to an election precinct location in your town.
• The precinct location is based on your address.
• Early voting locations may be different so check your town clerk’s website for those locations.

When I Vote, Will I Need to Bring Identification (ID)?

ID may be requested at the polling place if:

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• Voting for first time in MA in a federal election
• Inactive voter (Someone who has not voted in awhile)
• Casting a provisional or challenged ballot
• Poll worker has reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification

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ID Requirements

• A valid ID includes your name and address, such as:
• Driver’s license
• State ID
• Rent receipt
• Recent utility bill
• Lease
• Voter registration affidavit
• For more info on any election questions: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/

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Massachusetts Has a Voters’ Bill of Rights

• View here
• These rights include:
• Receiving up to two replacement ballots if you make a mistake and spoil your ballot
• Requesting assistance
• An accessible voting booth if you have a disability
• Requesting a provisional ballot if you believe you are a qualified registered voter, but a poll worker tells you that you are not
• If you are in line before polls close at 8PM you have the right to vote.

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Voting Is Your Superpower!

• High school graduation is an important milestone in your passage to adulthood.
• Your first vote is an important adult milestone too.
• Start voting now and make it a life-long habit.

Your future and our country depends on it.