Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: You must be a U.S. Citizen and 18 years old to register. You must not be in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony, and not currently judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.
Q: Can I register to vote if I am currently 17 years old, but I will be 18 on Election Day?
A: Yes
Q: Can I register to vote in Cambridge or Boston?
A: This is a bit more complicated:
Case 1: Yes, if you are a resident of Massachusetts
Case 2: Yes, if you use your MIT mailing address as your permanent address. This means that you are declaring Massachusetts as your official state of residence. However, this comes with a few snags:
- Your parents can no longer claim you as a dependent on their tax forms
- You are responsible for paying taxes in Massachusetts
- You lose any state financial aid/loans/etc. This includes federally-funded but state-distributed aid.
- Other problems may also arise depending on your previous state of residence. Some states, however, will allow you to register in Massachusetts without losing any of the rigths above. PLEASE PLEASE contact your local elections commission before doing anything.
Q: How can I obtain an absentee ballot?
A: Each state has different provisions; please check with your local elections commission office. Usually, requests must be given at least 30 days prior to the election. You must also send a letter requesting an absentee ballot. For a sample letter click HERE.
Q: Can I vote in my home state and in Massachusetts?
A: No, you cannot. You can only vote in the state in which you are registered.
Q: Can I register to vote online?
A: Not quite; you can Download the national voter registration form (good for any state). Or have the Massachusetts Government snail mail you a copy. Or use Democracy Net to find your home state's form online.
Q: Do I ever have to re-register?
A: Yes, if you move, change your name, or want to change your political party.
Q: Do I have to choose a political party in order to register and vote?
A: No.