Voter Registration

GETTING STARTED

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2024 VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Click here for more information on Upcoming Elections.

REGISTERING TO VOTE

These are general instructions for residents of Massachusetts, if you have specific questions for the Northampton Registrar of Voters, please contact (413) 587-1089. 

REGISTER ONLINE

If you have a signature on file with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, you can register online. You can also pre-register, update your address, update your name, and change your political party designation. Not sure if you're already registered to vote? Click HERE to check the status of your Voter Registration.

REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER TO VOTE

You may submit an application to register or pre-register to vote in Massachusetts if:

• You are a citizen of the United States; and
• You are 16 years old; and
• You are not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.

If you meet the above requirements, you may apply online, by mail, or in person.

REGISTER BY MAIL

If you do not qualify to register to vote online, or if you would prefer to register by mail, you may download the voter registration form by using the link provided in the box below. To have one mailed to you, call the Secretary of State’s Office at 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE.

The form must be completed, signed, and delivered to the City or Town Hall where you reside. If you are in Northampton you may stop by the City Clerk's Office in City Hall to pick up a form. Voter registration forms submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than the voter registration deadline.

If you reside in Northampton the form can be mailed to:

Registrar of Voters
210 Main St.
Room 4
Northampton, MA 01060

AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION

If you are a Massachusetts citizen doing certain things at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth, and the Commonwealth Health Connector, you will automatically become registered to vote.

You can be automatically registered to vote when you:

• Apply for or renew your driver’s license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
• Apply for or renew a learner's permit.
• Apply for or renew a state ID.
• Apply for MassHealth benefits online, in person, or by phone.
• Apply for health insurance through the Commonwealth Health Connector.

Please click here for more information.

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MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

If you currently have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card, you may use the online voter registration application to change your address.

You must update your voter registration every time you move. If you have moved, you may update your registration by filling out a new voter registration form. If you move after the deadline to register to vote in a state election or primary, you should wait to update your registration until after the date of the election or primary, and return to vote at your previous polling place in Massachusetts. State law allows you to vote from a previous address in a state election for up to six month after you have moved, as long as you have not registered elsewhere.

CHANGE OF POLITICAL PARTY

If you currently have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card, you may use the online voter registration application to change your political party.

If you wish to change your party enrollment, you may do so by filling out a new voter registration form. Members of political parties may vote only in their own party’s primary elections. Unenrolled voters (commonly referred to as "Independents") and members of political designations or minor parties may vote in the party primary of their choice. Choosing to vote in a particular party’s primary does NOT enroll you as a member of that party.

A full list of political parties and designations may be found HERE.

OTHER INFORMATION
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IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Certain voters must submit a copy of their identification with their voter registration or present it at their polling place on Election Day. For more information on identification requirements, click HERE.

PRE-REGISTERING TO VOTE

Though you must be 18 years old in order to vote, you may pre-register to vote once you are 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may submit a voter registration form to your local election official, who will then place your name on the list of pre-registrants. You will receive a pre-registration notice by mail, confirming receipt of your application. Pre-registration may be done online, by mail, or by the Automatic Voter Registration process.  In-person pre-registration is not available while City Office remain closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Once you become old enough to vote, your local election will mail you an acknowledgement notice, which is confirmation that your name has been moved from the list of pre-registrants to the list of registered voters. Your acknowledgement notice will include your party affiliation and the location of your polling place.

It is important to keep your local election official informed of any changes to your information. You must submit a new voter registration form if you wish to change your name, address, mailing address, or political affiliation.

WAITING PERIOD

There is no waiting period to be eligible to register to vote. If you move, you may register to vote as soon as you move into your new home.