2020 Election Information
Have your voice heard and help shape the future by voting in the upcoming 2020 elections.
National Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3 | polling locations in MA and RI open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Register by Saturday, Oct. 24.
For 2020 Elections in Massachusetts
Early Voting: Oct. 17-30
Find your early voting location and times.
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Oct. 28
Vote by mail for any reason!
For 2020 Elections in Rhode Island
Early Voting: Oct. 14-Nov. 2
Learn how to vote early in RI.
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Oct. 13
Vote by mail for any reason!
Support Resources from BSU
Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Departments and Contacts
Student Success & Diversity Departments and Contacts
Counseling Services, plus Togetherall and WellTrack apps »
There is also a collection of articles available on the Employee Resources page.

BSU Employee Resources
First Time Voter?
STEP 1: Register to vote
Check your status. If you have moved off campus, home or even to a new room in a residence hall, you may be listed as inactive.
Register or make corrections to your registration by Oct. 24 for the Nov. 3 general election.
Live on campus? Make sure to register your absentee ballot.
Registered outside of Massachusetts? Visit vote.org to learn about deadlines and requirements in your home state. (Rhode Island neighbors, see links below especially for you.)
STEP 2: Decide how you will vote
Vote by mail
To limit risk of spreading COVID-19, Massachusetts is allowing mail-in ballots for 2020 elections.
If you are a registered voter, you should automatically receive a vote by mail ballot application.
Otherwise, download an application or request one by contacting the election division.
Mail your completed application to your local election official.
Requests for vote by mail ballots must be received at least four days before an election. It is recommended you allow at least two to three weeks to get and return yours.
To be counted, your completed general election ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and arrive by Nov. 6.
Early Voting
To minimize crowds, the state has added extra early voting days this year. For the Nov. 3 general election: Oct. 17-30, including the weekends of Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.
Early voting schedules and locations will be posted on MassEarlyVote.com at least one week before early voting begins.
Election Day Voting
The Town of Bridgewater offers election information, including how to vote and including the district, precinct and hours here.
If you reside in the city of Boston, check out the official website guide for more information.
Whether on campus or at home, locate your polling place to cast your vote.
Emergency Voting
If you are instructed self-quarantine or if you are admitted to a healthcare facility within seven days before an election, you may use the absentee ballot application to designate someone to pick up an emergency ballot, deliver it to you, and return it to your local election official.
There is no application deadline, but your ballot must be returned to your local election office by the time polls close (typically 8 p.m. Election Day).
STEP 3: Research candidates and issues
Learn about key issues and find candidates that best align with your views.
Become an informed voter (pdf).
Learn about statewide ballot questions (pdf).
2020 Massachusetts state election candidates.
STEP 4: Bring your ID and show up to vote
You may need to show ID at your polling place if:
- You are voting for the first time in Massachusetts in a federal election.
- You are an inactive voter.
- You are casting a provisional or challenge ballot.
- The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification .
Acceptable IDs must include your name and the address at which you are registered to vote. Examples include: driver’s license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification that contains a voter's name and address.

Check Your Voting Status

Want an Election Day Reminder?

Keep It Civil and Respectful

For Students Residing in Rhode Island
The RI Board of Elections website has all the information you need to keep up to date with election related news in the Ocean State. If you have not registered to vote, make sure you do so here.
If you recently moved to Massachusetts to attend college, check your voter record to see if it is still active. Update your voter record here.