UMass Amherst Votes – Election Information [1]
Help shape the future by voting on Tuesday, November 8
- Register [2] by Saturday, October 29 (10 days before election)
- Vote by mail [3] for any reason!
First-time voter? Follow this step-by-step overview [4].
Step 1: Register to vote
- Check your status [5]. If you have moved off campus, home, or even to a new dorm room, you may be listed as inactive.
- Register [2] – 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 [6].
- Registered outside of Massachusetts? Visit Vote.org [7] 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 [3] for all elections. If you are a registered voter, you should automatically receive a vote by mail ballot application. Otherwise, request one online [8].
- Requests for vote by mail ballots [8] 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 [9] at least one week before early voting begins.
Election Day voting:
- The Town of Amherst's College Voter page [10] is a good source for voting information. Locate your district, precinct, and hours [11].
- Find your polling place [12] and check the PVTA website [13] to plan your trip.
Step 3: Research candidates and issues
- Learn about key issues and find candidates that best align with your views [14].
- Become an informed voter [15].
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 [16]
- The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification
Acceptable IDs [17] 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.