How to Apply for an Absentee Ballot

Absentee Ballot Information

Massachusetts allows you to vote by absentee ballot if you:

• will be absent from your city or town on Election Day, and/or
• have a physical disability that limits your access to the polling place, and/or
• cannot vote at a poll location due to a religious belief.

Obtaining an Absentee Ballot

If you wish, you can simply download a standard application right here, either for yourself or a family member. Complete the form and mail it to your city/town clerk.

Although the deadline to apply for absentee ballots is noon the day before the election, we highly recommend submitting the application well before then. An absentee ballot is only counted if you return it by the time polls close on Election Day.

You can also vote absentee at your city or town hall. To do so, contact your city/town clerk. If you wish, you can cast your vote two or three weeks before the election.

Returning your Absentee Ballot
The ballot comes with instructions and two return envelopes. After marking the ballot, insert it in the smaller, brown envelope. Read, complete the information, and sign the front of the smaller envelope. Enclose this smaller envelope inside the bigger envelope, place proper postage on it and mail it back to your city or town hall.

Alternatively, you or a family member may hand deliver the completed ballot to your town or city clerk’s office.

Please note: You cannot bring your completed ballot directly to your polling place on Election Day.

If you are voting from outside the United States, your completed absentee ballot can be received up until 10 days after the election, but must be postmarked on or before Election Day.
City/Town Clerk Contact Info