Register to Vote

Online

To register online or change your voter information, visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/. You’ll need a valid ID from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and a signature on file with the RMV.

By Mail

To register by mail, call (617) 625-6600 x4200 during normal business hours. We’ll mail you a registration form. Or, you can download the form in English, Español, or Zhongwen.

Once we get your form, we’ll send you a notice to confirm that you’re registered.

You can only vote absentee if you can’t vote on Election Day because:

• You won’t be in the City during polling hours
• You have a physical disability that prevents you from getting to the polling place, or
• Your religious beliefs prevent you from visiting the polling place.

Absentee ballot applications are available online (English / Español). You can also download an Absentee Ballot for a family member here. If you don’t want to fill out an application, you can use a written request with an original signature and relevant contact information.

Please note: The penalty for illegal registration is a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. 

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 (English / Español / Zhongwen) to the Somerville Elections Office, 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 in person at any voter registration location (see above).

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.