Where do I vote?
Click on this link to the Secretary of State's office, type in your address and it will give you the information about your assigned polling place. It will also give you a list of links to your state and federal elected officials.
This is an old post! Here's the 2012 Voter registraion information.
http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
Can I still register to vote?
No, the deadline for registration in Massachusetts was October 15th. But, you can go to this site, download the form and register today so you will be ready for the next election.
http://www.eac.gov/voter/Register%20to%20Vote
What time are the polls open?
The polls open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Voters in line at 8 pm will be allowed to vote.
Who has last minute information on candidates and ballot questions?
We recommend the League of Women Voter of Massachusetts site.
Where can I see a preview of my ballot?
The League of Women Voters also has a site for this service.
http://www.smartvoter.org/
Do I need ID to vote?
Maybe, maybe not. If you have registered recently you may be asked for ID. And, if your right to vote is challenged, a photo ID may be handy to have.
Our advice is to bring both a photo ID and proof of residence. The state website talks about what ID to bring. "Acceptable identification must include your name and the address at which you are registered to vote, for example: a current and valid driver’s license, photo identification, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing your name and address.
What if they can't find my name on the registered voter list?
This one is so important that we're going to quote exactly what the Secretary of State's office says at the link provided in details below.
If you think you may have a problem, print out that page and take it with you to the polls.
"Ask the election officer in charge of the polling place to check your registration by looking at the inactive voter's list and by checking to see if you are registered in another precinct in that municipality.
If they still cannot find your name, you may go to city or town hall to attempt to establish your identity as a registered voter or you may cast a provisional ballot.
To cast a provisional ballot, you must execute a provisional ballot affirmation before a precinct officer at the polling place declaring that you are a registered voter in the city or town and reside within the geographical boundaries of said precinct. You must also show suitable identification.
After the election, the local election official will search for records to confirm your voter registration. If your eligibility is confirmed, your ballot will be counted. If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, your ballot will remain sealed in an envelope until such time as it is required to be kept and then will be destroyed without being viewed."
How do I file a complaint about a the election process?
There is a national site that has the information about the process for filing complaints in every state.
http://www.eac.gov/voter/state-complaint-procedures/election/complaints
Details:
Here is a resource page from the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office with more detail on many of these questions:
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howvote.htm
Here's a link to the Federal Election Assistance program.
