BSU Votes

 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.