Special to The Bulletin
Voting is a precious right; it’s time to prepare
Launching Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale’s new Civics Series to promote democracy and engagement

Thursday, July 17, was the 6th anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’ death, a time to appreciate his dedication to voting rights. It’s also time to make sure we’re all on track to take advantage of that right, that we’re able to vote in the September 1 primary election, especially since, in Massachusetts, races often end with the primary.
Are you registered to vote? Massachusetts has one of the latest primary elections in the U.S. This year, it’s September 1, also the busiest moving day of the year. The deadline to register is August 22. Massachusetts does not yet have same-day voter registration. (Twenty-four states and DC do allow same-day registration.)
Who can vote? Anybody who is registered to vote in Massachusetts by August 22, whether you’re registered in a political party or not. Massachusetts primaries are “semi-closed.” If you registered to vote as a member of a political party, you can vote in your party’s primary. If you registered without joining a party (“unenrolled”), you can choose which party’s ballot when you go to the polls or request your mail-in ballot.
Online voter registration (OVR) is at the MA Secretary of State website, which is also where you can update your registration if your address or name has changed: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/. And you can check to make sure your voter status is “active.” If you missed this year’s municipal census, for example, it might show as “inactive.” In that case, bring ID to the polls.
How can you vote? You can vote in person on early voting days (Boston voters can vote at any polling site in Boston) or on Sept. 1 (at your assigned polling place only). You can vote by mail-in ballot, dropped in a drop box or mailed. If you use a mail-in ballot, you can check to make sure it was received and accepted at “Track My Ballot” on the MA Secretary of State website. This year’s advice: vote early.
What offices are on the ballot? Lots. Federal level: U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative. Statewide offices: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor. District level: Governor’s Councilor, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, Register of Probate.
Are ballot questions on the September ballot? No, they’re on the November ballot so you still have time to learn about them.
Other questions? Go to boston.gov/departments/election.
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