Editorial: An election primer as we approach Mass. primary day

With the primary election in Massachusetts just two weeks away – on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day – there’s some other important dates and information prospective voters should consider.

Registered voters can cast ballots for several federal and state races on primary day, including U.S. senator, U.S. representative, Governor’s Council, state senator, state representative, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, and county commissioner in certain jurisdictions.

Unfortunately, in many instances, state senator, state representative and congressional candidates have no opposition and thus will run unopposed.

Polling hours run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Of course, you must be a registered voter to take part in this process.

And the deadline for getting on the voting rolls is fast approaching.

State citizens must register by Aug. 24 to be eligible for the Sept. 3 primary.

If you wish to vote remotely by mail, you have until Aug. 26 to request a ballot.

When you register to vote, you may choose to enroll in a political party or political designation, or may opt to remain “unenrolled,” which is commonly referred to as independent.

If you do not enroll in a party, you can still vote in state and presidential primaries by choosing a party ballot and remain unenrolled.

Once you make an enrollment choice, you may change your enrollment status by notifying your election official in writing at least 10 days before an election.

Primary winners then move on the Nov. 5 general statewide election, which will also feature the presidential race.

Polling hours again will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 26, and voting by mail applications must be submitted by Oct. 29.

And since primary elections have historically produced weak voter turnouts, we don’t want to give already indifferent voters any more excuses for not exercising this privilege of democracy.

Just to clarify, anyone who’s a U.S. citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, at least 18 years old, and not currently an incarcerated felon can register to vote.

For those teens 16 and 17 chomping at the bit to take part in this rite of citizenship, you can pre-register if you meet all the other requirements asked of those actually applying to vote.

You may pre-register to vote by submitting a voter registration form. You’ll receive confirmation of your pre-registration by mail. When you turn 18 you will be added to the voter list.

And registering or pre-registering to vote can be done online, by mail or in person.

With a mail-in voter registration form, print, fill out, and sign the voter registration form. Mail the signed form to your local election office. Your voter registration form must be postmarked by the voter registration deadline.

You also may be surprised to find that you’re already a registered voter.

If  you’re a Massachusetts citizen who’s conducted transactions with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth, or the Commonwealth Health Connector, you will be automatically registered to vote.

That occurs when you:

• Apply for or renew your driver’s license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

• Apply for or renew a learner’s permit.

• Apply for or renew a state ID.

• Apply for MassHealth benefits online, in person, or by phone.

• Apply for health insurance through the Commonwealth Health Connector.

When the RMV, MassHealth, or the Health Connector determines that you are a U.S. citizen, they will send your information to the election office. When your election office receives your name, address, and date of birth, they’ll add you to the voter list.

They will send a notice confirming your registration in two to three weeks. If you don’t want to be automatically enrolled, you can opt out at that time.

And even if you have just a signature on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, you can register online. You can also pre-register, update your address, update your name, and change your political party designation.

Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the date of the voter registration deadline.

And in Massachusetts, you can register to vote in-person at:

• Your local town clerks, election commission, and boards of registrars.

• The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division.

• The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s regional offices.

Voter registration forms completed in-person are valid on the day they’re signed.

If you are registering to vote in Massachusetts for the first time, you should include a copy of identification that shows your name and address with your form. If you don’t include a copy of your ID, you may need to show it the first time you vote.

If you became a U.S. citizen after the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote in person at your local election office until 4 p.m. on the day before the election. Make sure you bring proof that your naturalization ceremony took place after the voter registration deadline.

We trust that the above information has answered or clarified any questions a potential voter in this state may have.

Other questions can likely be answered by visiting the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm.

Originally Published: August 21, 2024 at 12:45 a.m.