#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.

#TheArcVotes Forum Replays

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Latest #TheArcVotes Headlines

#TheArcVotesGovernment AffairsNews
November 10, 2022

#TheArcVotes: Maura Healey Elected Governor of Massachusetts, Introducing New Administration to The Arc’s Advocacy

The Arc of Massachusetts congratulates the winners of the 2022 Midterm Elections in Massachusetts. Attorney General Maura Healey (D) was elected Governor, becoming the first female Governor in state history…
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#TheArcVotesGovernment AffairsNews
October 29, 2022

#TheArcVotes: Written Candidate Responses to Questions from Virtual Disability Voter Forum with Gubernatorial Candidate Maura Healey (D)

On October 27, The Arc, along with a cohort of partner agencies, hosted a Virtual Disability Forum with Gubernatorial Candidate Maura Healey (D). Thank you to candidate Healey, our moderator…
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#TheArcVotesGovernment AffairsNews
October 7, 2022

#TheArcVotes: Written Candidate Responses to Questions from Virtual Disability Voter Forum with Gubernatorial Candidate Geoff Diehl (R)

On September 28, The Arc, along with a cohort of partner agencies, hosted a Virtual Disability Forum with Gubernatorial Candidate Geoff Diehl (R). Thank you to candidate Diehl, our moderator…
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the important dates in the 2022 Election cycle?

  • 2022 Primary Election Cycle:
    • Registration for Primary Election: August 27, 2022
    • Mail In Ballot Application Deadline:  August 29, 2022
    • Early Voting Period: August 27 – September 2, 2022
    • Primary Election Date: September 6, 2022
  • 2022 General Election Cycle:
    • Registration for General Election: November 1, 2022
    • Mail In Ballot Application Deadline: November 1, 2022
    • Early Voting Period: October 22 – November 4, 2022
    • General Election Date: November 8, 2022

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:
      • In-person early between August 27 and September 2.
      • On election day, September 6, between 7am and 8pm.
    • General Election:
      • In person early between October 22 and November 4.
      • On election day, November 8, 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 September 6 (Primary) and November 8 (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:
    • Primary: August 29, 2022
    • General: November 1, 2022
  • 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:
    • Primary: 8pm on Election Day – September 6, 2022
    • General: 8pm on November 11, 2022
  • You can find ballot tracking information here.
  • If you do not receive an application in the mail, you can request one here.

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.