In order to vote, you must be registered 20 days before Primary or Election Day. If you are not registered to vote, you can:

• Request a registration form online from the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, or offline by calling (617)-727-2828.
• Fill out a registration form at your local city or town clerk‚s office.
• Register to vote while you're at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Keep your "motor voter" receipt until you receive confirmation from your local election official that you're registered.

You can also apply for an absentee ballot by filling out an application at your city or town clerk‚s office. Or you can simply write a letter to your city or town clerk, including your name, address, which party's ballot you want, and your signature. A family member may also apply for you.

If you need an absentee ballot for either the primary or the general election, you must apply for one no later than noon on the day before the election. It must be returned to your city or town clerk‚s office by the time the polls close on election day (8:00 p.m.). So if you are applying by mail and returning your ballot by mail, leave yourself plenty of time. Your completed ballot must be received in your clerk‚s office no later than 8:00 p.m. on election day.