How do I vote in Massachusetts? Your guide to polling sites, mail-in deadlines, more

With Election Day coming up on Nov. 5, here's your guide for all things related to casting your vote in Massachusetts. To see guides for other states, click here.

Do I need to register to vote?

Yes, you need to register to vote in Massachusetts. Check your voter registration status here. 

How do I do that?

If you have a Massachusetts state ID, you can register to vote online. Otherwise, you can fill out and mail in a paper form or register in-person at town clerk, election commission, Board of Registrars and certain other state offices. Find more details here. 

What's the deadline?

The deadline to register to vote in Massachusetts is Oct. 26. 

Where do I find out where my polling site is?

You can look up your polling location here. 

Can I vote by mail?

You can apply to vote early by mail in Massachusetts by mail, email, fax or online. Find more details about mail-in voting here.  The deadline to apply for both early mail-in and absentee ballots is Oct. 29.

What's the latest date I can turn in my ballot?

You must return your absentee or early mail-in ballot to your local election office or a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You cannot return your ballot to a polling location. If mailed, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive by Nov. 8 (or Nov. 15 if sent from outside the U.S.) 

Is there a way I can track my ballot?

You can track your ballot here on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. 

What if I need help getting to the polling site?

If you have a disability that will make it difficult for you to make it to your polling place, you may qualify for an absentee ballot.  

Where do I find election results?

Paste BN will have presidential, congressional and statewide race results updating live here.

Illustrations by Veronica Bravo, Paste BN