What to Expect in the Massachusetts Election Polls

BOSTON (WWLP) – Voting is a great American privilege, and it’s important to make the most of Election Day.

Those wishing to vote on Election Day can find their polling place on the Secretary of State's website. All polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. But first, make sure you're registered to vote.

Who is voting in Massachusetts?

☆ Where is my polling station?
☆ View my sample ballot »
☆ Information about postal voting »

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What do I need?

Once you're sure you're registered and have found your polling place, you'll need to get your ID. In Massachusetts, voters are not required to show photo ID, but it may be required if:

• Someone is voting for the first time

• Someone was classified as an inactive voter

• Someone casts a provisional or contested vote

• The election worker has reasonable grounds to suspect that he is making this request

The most commonly used ID is your Massachusetts driver's license, but other forms of ID can also work. Options include:

• Driver's license

• State ID card

• Current electricity bill

• Rent receipt or rental agreement.

• Copy of a voter registration affidavit

• Letter from a dorm or housing authority

• Any other printed ID that contains your name and address

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Important dates

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Who is running?

Massachusetts residents vote to fill congressional, state and county seats.

Locally, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Bill Keating face challenges, while Congressman Jake Auchincloss is running unopposed. There are also open legislative seats in southeastern Massachusetts as well as primaries for county offices.

What are the 2024 ballot questions for Massachusetts?
You can find your sample ballot paper here »

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How to vote in Massachusetts

Once you are registered to vote in Massachusetts, you can vote on Election Day. If you cannot get to your polling station that day, you can either vote by mail or participate in early voting.

For the general elections is the early voting period runs from Saturday, October 19th to Friday, November 1st.

Contact your local elections office to find out where to go to vote.

Find your local election office »

For those who request one Postal votingThey must be returned by Election Day. Officials recommended mailing your document at least a week in advance. Absentee ballots can also be dropped off at your local elections office, early voting location, or in your mailbox.

Find your postal vote dropbox »

Those wishing to vote on Election Day can find their polling place on the Secretary of State's website. All polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m

When heading out to vote, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a warm layer, and bring a bottle of water. You may have to wait in line and possibly outside. Therefore, plan a part of your day.

Once you arrive, you may notice groups holding campaign signs and voicing their opinions on who you should vote for. This is legally referred to as electioneering and is required by law to maintain a minimum distance of 150 feet from the polling station entrance.

You are welcome to take part in the election campaign yourself, as long as you maintain the required distance from the polling station. If you feel intimidated or harassed outside or inside polling stations, you can contact election protection contacts.

It is also important to note that Massachusetts' definition of campaigning also includes campaign clothing, including buttons and stickers.

While the state doesn't specifically prohibit simply wearing campaign clothing at the polling place, it's best to leave your hats and sweatshirts at home if you're worried about getting stopped.

If you make it to the front of the voting line, you'll need to register and show your ID, then it's time to vote. If you need language assistance, accessibility tools, or simply have a question, please feel free to contact a poll worker.

Many poll workers commuted at dawn to ensure you could exercise your right to vote – don't forget to thank your poll workers.

Finally, if something goes wrong, you have options. If your poll worker cannot find your name on their registration list, ask them to make sure you are at the correct polling place. If you are in the right place and are sure you are already registered, ask to use a provisional ballot.

The same applies if you forget your ID. You can use a provisional ballot and present your ID to your local election office within a certain deadline.

Also remember that you are entitled to vote no matter how long it takes, as long as you get in line at your polling place before the polls close.

Once you've filled out your ballot and received your iconic “I Voted” sticker, stay tuned to 22News for continued coverage of our important elections.

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