An examination of how the First Amendment provision of freedom of speech has evolved in the United States.
Upcoming Election Information
Have your voice heard and help shape the future by voting in upcoming elections.
No elections are currently scheduled.
Register to vote in MA now or check your MA registration status.
Why Is Your Vote Important?
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.
Registered outside of Massachusetts? Visit vote.gov 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
No-excuse early voting by mail is available in all state elections, state primaries, presidential primaries and most local elections. These ballots are known as “Vote by Mail” ballots and can be requested using the Vote by Mail Application. These applications will be pre-addressed to your local election office and postage pre-paid.
After you send in your ballot, make sure to track your ballot.
Vote Early
Massachusetts now has early voting for all state primaries and elections. Early voting is way for you to vote before Election Day, at your own convenience. You can vote early in person or by mail.
To vote early in person, visit an early voting site in your city or town during the early voting period. Each city and town chooses their own early voting locations and sets their own schedules. All communities are required to offer weekend early voting hours. A listing of early voting schedules and locations for each city and town will be posted on the Massachusetts Secretary of State website no later than five days 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.
STEP 3: Research candidates and issues
Learn about key issues coming up on the ballot and find candidates that best align with your views.
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.
Voting After Graduation
Are you a recent graduate or preparing to graduate? Here are a steps you can take to make sure you’re ready for voting after graduation.
STEP 1: Check (and update) your voter registration
Are you registered with an on-campus address? Are you moving to a new location after graduation? Be sure to update your voter registration with your new address so you’re ready for election day.
To check or update your status, visit vote.gov. Here you’ll also be able to:
- register as a new voter
- find voter deadlines
- change your political affiliation
STEP 2: Make a plan for future voting
Be ready with a plan! Visit All In To Vote to find the voting rules for your state, learn about voting by mail, locate your polling place, and research what is on your ballot.
STEP 3: Learn about your local government
Search for your city or town’s website to find out about your local government structure. Do you have a:
- Mayor
- Town Manager
- Town Meetings
- School Committee
- Board of Selectmen
- County Sheriff
- District Attorney
STEP 4: Take action
Search for ways to contact and engage with your local officials.
STEP 5: Never miss an election
Sign up through vote.org for deadline reminders and updates on upcoming elections.
Check Your Voting Status
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Even if you think you are registered and all set to vote, college students are often listed as “inactive voters” because of address changes. Check your Massachusetts voter registration status.
Want an Election Day Reminder?
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Rock the Vote will send you one if you complete this form, or you can sign up by texting “ROCK” to 788683 (msg and data rates may apply).
Keep It Civil and Respectful
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Keep it civil and respectful, in person and online. All social media platforms have community standards and can shut down your account if things get out of hand.
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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.
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