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Home > The Bottom Line > What you need to know to vote in the Massachusetts presidential primary


	Podcast:		The Bottom Line
	Episode:		What you need to know to vote in the Massachusetts presidential primary
	Category:		Government & Organizations
	Duration:		00:00:00
	Publish Date:		2024-02-21 22:03:26
	Description:		On March 5, Super Tuesday, voters in Massachusetts and 14 other states will decide on the presidential candidates for the November general election, as well as a handful of other offices that will appear on the ballot. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Massachusetts presidential primary election. Important dates: Deadline to register to vote: Saturday, Feb. 24 Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot: Tuesday, Feb. 27 Early voting: Feb. 24-March 1 Presidential primary election day: Tuesday, March 5 How do I register to vote? Online: You can register to vote online if you have a signature on file with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles or any other identification issued by the state. By mail: The state has already sent out mail ballot applications. If you didn’t receive one, you can request an application here. It’s important to identify your political party on the application, otherwise you won’t receive a primary ballot in the mail. In person: You can register to vote in person at your local town clerks, election commission, and Boards of Registrars. Alternatively, you can register at the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s regional offices. If you’re voting for the first time, you may be asked to present identification. Various items are considered acceptable identification, including a driver’s license, a state-issued ID card, a utility bill, a rent receipt, a lease, or any other document that contains your name and address. When and where can I vote on Election Day? On Election Day, you can vote at your local polling place 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Click here to find your polling location. Can I vote in person before Election Day? You can vote early in person Feb. 24-March 1. Every city and town in Massachusetts has at least one early voting site. You can find your municipality’s early voting schedule and locations here. Can I vote in either party’s primary? Massachusetts recognizes three political parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian. Each has a separate ballot, including only the candidates running for that party’s nomination. If you aren’t enrolled in a political party, you’ll be able to choose a party ballot when you check-in at your polling place. However, if you’re registered in one party, you can’t vote in another party’s primary. What about accessibility? Massachusetts is required to provide options for accessible parking, entrances and ramps if there are stairs. Voters may bring someone to the polls to help them throughout the voting process. Click here for full details on accessibility options for in person and mail voting. Click here to check your voter status, view a sample ballot, and see voting hours and locations in your city or town. If you live in the 6th Worcester Representative District, there is also a special election for State Representative. For the audio version of this story, linked above, Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez talked about when, where and how to vote with Pattye Comfort, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. The post What you need to know to vote in the Massachusetts presidential primary appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.
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