#TheArcVotes

The Arc of Massachusetts Voter Resource Center

Welcome to the homepage for #TheArcVotes, The Arc of Massachusetts Voting Resource Center. Election season is just around the corner in Massachusetts. Continue reading for important resources and information about your voting rights.

Sign the 2024 Disability Voter Pledge

#TheArcVotes Interviews

Why is it important for people with disabilities to vote?

Why does voting matter?

Barriers and accommodations in voting

Final important takeaways on voting in the 2024 Election

The Arc's 2024 Voting Rights Webinars

Your Right to Vote (Webinar 1 of 2)

Why Voting Matters (Webinar 2 of 2)

The Arc's 2024 Voter Newsletter

Between now and election day, The Arc of Massachusetts will be reaching out with important updates, resources, and information about the 2024 elections, getting out the vote in the disability community, and making sure your voices are heard in this crucial election year. This election year has already proven itself to be unlike any year in recent memory, but one thing remains the same: people with disabilities are counting on us to show up and vote.

Issue 1 - August 6, 2024

Issue 2 - August 27, 2024

Issue 3 - September 24, 2024

Issue 4 - October 22, 2024

Issue 5 – Coming November 4, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the important dates in the 2024 Election cycle?

  • 2024 Presidential Primary Election Cycle:
    • Registration for Primary Election: February 24, 2024
    • Mail In Ballot Application Deadline:  February 27, 2024
    • Primary Election Date: March 5, 2024
  • 2024 State Primary Election Cycle:
    • Registration for Primary Election: August 24, 2024
    • Mail In Ballot Application Deadline:  August 26, 2024
    • Primary Election Date: September 3, 2024
  • 2024 General Election Cycle:
    • Registration for General Election: October 26, 2024
    • Mail In Ballot Application Deadline: October 29, 2024
    • General Election Date: November 5, 2024

Are you registered to vote?

If you have a state issued ID, you have automatically been registered by the state. Click here to see if you’re registered.

  • How do I register?: MA Secretary State Online registration portal, mail in form, or in person.
  • Do I need an ID to register?: You will likely need to have a MA address and a MA driver’s license or state-issued ID, or any other identification that has your name and address.
  • Can I vote if I have a disability? Yes! People with disabilities who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote. If you have a guardian, you can still vote, unless a judge says you cannot vote. Contact the Disability Law Center if you have any concerns or question

How do I vote in person?

  • Where do I need to go to vote? If you are registered to vote, visit www.WhereDoIVoteMA.com to find your polling place.
  • When can I vote?
    • Primary Election:
      • On election day, September 3, between 7am and 8pm.
    • General Election:
      • On election day, November 5, between 7am and 8pm.
  • Can I vote from a car if the polling place is inaccessible? No, MA doesn’t allow voters to request a ballot from a car, if inaccessible.
  • What if I want assistance with my ballot? You may choose someone (except your boss, union agent, or a candidate) to assist you in marking your ballot.
  • Do I need an ID? If this is your first time voting in a federal election after registering to vote by mail or if you haven’t voted for a very long time & on the inactive list, you will need to bring an ID to the polling place. If you have voted before recently, you don’t need to bring any ID to your polling place but must provide your address.

We encourage everyone who is voting in person to vote early if possible, to prevent standing in long lines on March 5 (Presidential Primary), September 3 (State Primary), and November 5 (General).

How do I vote by mail?

This year, voting in Massachusetts state elections is coming to your house! Every registered voter should have received “Vote by Mail” applications for the September Primary and November General election.

  • You need to return the completed Vote by Mail application by the following dates:
    • Presidential Primary: February 27, 2024
    • State Primary: August 26, 2024
    • General: October 29, 2024
  • Return the application to your local election office. Upon indication you wish to vote by mail, a ballot will be sent to the same address.
  • When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it.
  • Your ballot must be returned in person or by mail, postmarked by Election Day and reach your local election office by:
    • Presidential Primary: 8pm on March 5, 2024
    • State Primary: 8pm on September 3, 2024
    • General:
      • In person or by drop box: 8pm on November 5, 2024
      • By mail: 5pm on November 8, 2024 (postmarked by November 5, 2024)
  • You can find ballot tracking information here.
  • If you do not receive an application in the mail, you can request one here.

Latest #TheArcVotes Headlines

#TheArcVotesGovernment AffairsNews
November 6, 2024

We Must Take Care of Ourselves and Each Other: CEO Maura Sullivan Reacts to 2024 Election Results

In this new video message, The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan shares her first reaction to the 2024 Election Results. A transcript is available below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--2cHlxNT18 TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO:…
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a man in a suit and tie smiling at the camera#TheArcVotesCelebrating Leo SarkissianGovernment AffairsIn the MediaNews
October 24, 2024

Executive Director Leo Sarkissian’s Career and Legacy Profiled by Boston Globe Columnist Joan Vennochi

On Thursday, October 24, renowned Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi penned a thoughtful, inspiring tribute to the legacy of The Arc of Massachusetts Executive Director Leo Sarkissian, who will be…
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You Uploaded image Generate alt text for this image Copilot A group of four people is standing and sitting in front of a voting booth with an American flag in the background. One person is holding a small American flag, and another person is holding a clipboard. The person in the wheelchair is showing a "thumbs up" gesture and has an "I Voted" sticker on the shirt. Another person is holding a piece of paper, possibly a ballot.#TheArcVotesBudget & PolicyGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNews
October 10, 2024

Leo’s Letter: What Does It Mean to Vote with Your Conscience?

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian provides a powerful overview of the important questions members of our community need to be asking as they prepare to vote…
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Why The Arc Community Votes

* Help America Vote Act (HAVA) 2002: Voting needs to be “accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters” (“On Voting Accessibility for People with Disabilities,” Norman Ornstein and Kristina Kopić). It further mandates that every voting place have at least one accessible voting machine.