Preparation
Providers Council has a CareVote page with lots of information and tools. Included is a checklist which has preparation suggestions, lists of supplies, and other information on How to Host a Voter Registration Table.
We recommend you also bring printed voter registration forms for anyone without an id, or anyone who does not like online forms. Envelopes and stamps for mailing these registrations are also good to have.
We also recommend you bring a tablet or laptop for people who do not want to register on their phones. You will need either WIFI or a hotspot capability to register online.
Tips for hosting accessible events and meetings by the MA Office on Disability
Register
First look up your applicant on the state website at Find My Voter Registration, and see if they are already registered. Maybe they simply need to update their address.
If they are not registered, review the voter registration requirements.
- Citizen of the United States
- At least 16 years old (note – one is considered pre-registered and may not vote until 18)
- Resident of Massachusetts
- Not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.
Next, determine whether they can register online, using a drivers license or state id or last 4 digits of their Social Security Number.
- If they have the id,
- they can register on-line using their own phone. Stand by to assist!
- they may prefer a larger screen, in which case you can help them with a tablet or laptop if you have brought those along.
- If they do not have an id, or do not like working online
- Use a printed voter registration page (you can print these yourself, or get some from a town clerk.) Some people may want you to actually fill out the form. Be prepared to provide applicants with the address of their town clerk, or to submit their registration forms yourself.
- They can complete the registration on-line form, knowing that they will need to print it…
- For registering voters without an id, let them know they may be asked for some id the first time they vote. See the State’s Identification Requirements page.
Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail
Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail is new and underutilized. If you meet a person who needs this mechanism for voting, please share information on it. The deadline to apply is October 29 at 5 p.m.
If you are unable to independently mark a ballot due to vision impairments, mobility, or dexterity limitations, you can request to receive, complete, and return your ballot electronically in the 2024 Elections.
- To access the Accessible Vote by Mail system, you must first submit a completed Accessible Vote by Mail Application online or download the application, then email/fax or print and mail to your local election office. *Note: You can sign your application by typing your name if you have a disability that prevents you from signing independently.
- To apply and complete a ballot, you will need to provide an email address
- After applying, you will receive an email with instructions and a unique access pin number.
For more information and instructional videos on Accessible Vote by Mail, visit the Democracy Live: OmniBallot Portal.