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Register to Vote

Election Commission

To vote in any local, state, or national election, you must register to vote prior to the registration deadline, 10 days prior to the date of the election.

Upcoming Voter Registration Deadlines

  • 2024 Presidential Primary
    Registration deadline is February 24, 2024
  • 2024 State Primary
    Registration deadline is August 24, 2024
  • 2024 State/Presidential Election
    Registration deadline is October 26, 2024


Requirements

In order to register or pre-register to vote in Cambridge:

  • you must be a US citizen
  • a resident of Cambridge
  • at least 16 years old
  • not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction

How to Start

You can register:

  • Online

    To register online, you need a valid Massachusetts driver's license or state ID card.

    You can use online voter registration to:

    • Register
    • Update your address
    • Change your party affiliation

    Register to Vote Online

  • In Person

    You can register to vote in-person at the Election Commission Office at 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139.

    The office is open:

    • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    The Election Commission extends their hours during election season. Visit the Election Commission website for information on our hours of operation.

  • By Mail

    To register to vote via mail:

    1. Fill out the voter registration form 
    2. Sign the form
    3. Mail the form to:

      Cambridge Election Commission
      51 Inman St.
      Cambridge, MA 02139

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may register or pre-register to vote in Cambridge?

You may register or pre-register to vote in Cambridge if you are a US citizen, a resident of Cambridge, and at least 16 years old; and not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.

Is there a deadline to register?

One may register to vote at any time. However, the deadline to register for any given election is 10 days prior to that election.

Can I register for a friend, family member, or another individual?

No, this is prohibited under state law.

Is identification required to register to vote?

When you register, you must include your driver’s license number or the last 4 digits of your social security number on the application. If the information cannot be verified or you do not provide this information, you must provide identification at your polling location when you go to vote. Sufficient identification includes a copy of current and valid photo identification, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing your name and address.

How can I get a letter verifying that I am a registered voter?

Voter registration letters or cards are not necessary for voting purposes. However, you may go to the Election Commission office and make a request for a letter verifying that you are a registered voter.

What is my polling location?

Your polling location is where you vote. You can look this up at http://www.wheredoivotema.com and you can view a map of all polling locations here.

 

How do I stay on the voting list?

Answering the city census each year ensures that your name will remain on the voting list once you have registered. Massachusetts state law does not require that you vote in order to keep your name on the voting list.

If you are moving to another city or town, you must re-register to vote in your new city or town to remain a voter. If you are moving within the City of Cambridge, send signed correspondence to the Commission stating your new address along with your former address. You may also send a signed letter the Commission if your name changes and you wish to change it for the voting list, or you wish to change your political party. Mail-in or online registration forms may also be used to inform the Commission of the new address, party, or name. 

How can my group or organization request voter registration forms in bulk?

Call the Elections Division at 1-800-462-VOTE or 617-727-2828
Page was posted on 5/8/2018 5:06 PM
Page was last modified on 2/26/2024 12:19 PM
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