Early &
Mail-in Voting
in Massachusetts

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Massachusetts.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote By Mail Deadlines

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Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
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Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

Early voting dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

Early voting (via in-person absentee) typically begins once ballots have been finalized and mailed, which is 21 days before Election Day. Contact your local election office for exact early voting dates and times.

How Vote By Mail Works in Massachusetts

This is a two step process. Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is November 1st.

  •  You may request your ballot here.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
  • Return in person to your local elections office or designated dropbox by 8 p.m. on November 8th.
  • Or mail your ballot. Ballots must be postmarked by November 8th to be counted. We recommend mailing your ballot at least two weeks before as the post office is not always reliable. The best intentions or postmark will not matter if your ballot is postmarked after Election Day - your ballot will not count.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After completing your ballot, put it into the return envelope provided by the state. Sign the affidavit provided with the return envelope.

Use The Right Form of ID

If voting by mail voter's signature on the ballot will be compared to signature on voter registration form.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Drop box

If you are voting with an absentee ballot, a family member or anyone who lives with you may return your ballot. If you are using a no-excuse early vote by mail ballot, only you may return your ballot.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you would like to vote in person, return your unused absentee ballot to your polling site and request an in person ballot on Election Day.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in Massachusetts

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for Massachusetts First Time Voter Info