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BSU Votes

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2022 Election Information

Have your voice heard and help shape the future by voting in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections.

U.S. Midterm Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 | polling locations in MA and RI open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Learn about voting in your state.

For 2022 Elections in Massachusetts

State Primary: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022

Register to vote by Aug. 27, 2022
Vote by mail application deadline:
Aug. 29
Early voting: Aug. 27-Sept. 2

General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

Register to vote by Oct. 29 (10 days before Election Day)
Check your registration status or register now.  

Vote by mail application deadline: Nov. 1
Learn how to vote by mail in MA.

View your sample ballot and voting location.

For first time MA voters »

For 2022 Elections in Rhode Island

State Primary: Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022

Register to vote by Aug. 14, 2022
Vote by mail application deadline: Aug. 23

General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022

Register to vote by Oct. 9

Vote by mail application deadline: Oct. 18
Learn how to vote by mail in RI.

Early Voting: Oct. 19-Nov. 7
Learn how to vote early in RI.

More info for RI voters »

Why are you voting this election?
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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. 29 for the Nov. 8 midterm election.

Live on campus and can't make it home to vote? Apply for your mail-in 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

Massachusetts voters now have the option to vote early by mail in all elections, with no excuse required. In 2022, vote by mail applications will be mailed in July and September to every voter who hasn’t already requested a mail-in ballot for the fall elections. These applications will be pre-addressed to your local election office and postage pre-paid. Find your local election office or dropbox.

Vote by mail applications can also be downloaded through the state website.

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.

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 coming up on the ballot and find candidates that best align with your views.

Become an informed voter  (pdf).

View a sample 2022 MA ballot.

Fourteen state executive offices are up for election in Massachusetts in 2022.

 

 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.
 

 Reminders

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Check Your Voting Status

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.
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Want an Election Day Reminder?

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).
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Keep It Civil and Respectful

Keep it civil and respectful, in person and online. Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook all 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.

General Election polling places and hours »

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BSU Employee Resources

Learn about coping with stress, navigating political discussions, and the resources available to you as a BSU employee.