Help shape the future by voting on Tuesday, November 8

• Register by Saturday, October 29 (10 days before election)
• Vote by mail for any reason!

First-time voter? Follow this step-by-step overview.

Step 1: Register to vote

• Check your status. If you have moved off campus, home, or even to a new dorm room, you may be listed as inactive.
• Register – or update your registration – by October 29 to vote on November 8.
• Live on campus? Make sure you register with the full street address for your residence hall.
• Registered outside of Massachusetts? Visit Vote.org to learn about deadlines and requirements in your home state.

Step 2: Decide how you will vote

Vote by mail (recommended):

• Massachusetts allows mail-in ballots for all elections. If you are a registered voter, you should automatically receive a vote by mail ballot application. Otherwise, request one online.
• Requests for vote by mail ballots must be received at least 5 business days before Election Day. It is recommended that you allow at least 2-3 weeks to get and return yours.
• To ensure your vote is counted, return your ballot on time and follow all instructions, including returning it in the envelope provided, and signing the envelope where indicated.

Early voting:

• Early voting takes place October 22 – November 4. Hours vary by community and include weekend hours.
• Early voting schedules and locations will be posted at www.MassEarlyVote.com at least one week before early voting begins.

Election Day voting:

• The Town of Amherst's College Voter page is a good source for voting information. Locate your district, precinct, and hours.
• Find your polling place and check the PVTA website to plan your trip.

Step 3: Research candidates and issues

1. Learn about key issues and find candidates that best align with your views.
2. Become an informed voter.

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 challenged 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: a 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 which contains the voter's name and address.