Earlier this year, Governor Baker signed into law permanent pandemic-related changes to expand voting access in Massachusetts. With voting underway in Massachusetts, we encourage employers to share information with employees about how to participate in the upcoming state elections especially with expanded opportunities to vote. While many Roundtable members already offer their employees time off to vote, new voting reforms make it even easier for voters to participate and we encourage you to highlight the following key dates and resources with your employees and colleagues:

  • Voter registration is open until October 29: Massachusetts voters must register 10 days before Election Day, and the deadline to register is Saturday, October 29. New citizens who were naturalized after the last day to register to vote, may register to vote in person at your local election office until 4 p.m. on the day before the election. Learn more about registering to vote or updating your registration at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm

  • Early voting is open in Massachusetts! Early voting is open in Massachusetts from October 22 through Friday, November 4. To vote early in person, you will need to identify the early voting location in your community, which you can find at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx

  • Vote by mail is available to all: All Massachusetts registered voters now have the option to vote early by mail, but you must request a vote by mail application by 5 p.m. on Tuesday November 1. There are several options to return a mail-in ballot and different deadlines apply. Learn more about voting by mail and how to return and track your ballot at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleabsentee/absidx.htm

  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 8! Polls are open in Massachusetts from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. If you are choosing to vote in person on Election Day, make a plan to vote. Review your sample ballot to review the candidates and ballot questions and identify your polling place at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote

Civic participation is the foundation of our democracy and our state is enriched when all voters’ voices are heard. Detailed information about voting in the upcoming elections is available on the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm.