Advocacy

FAQ on the General Election

At Vinfen, we work to ensure that our staff, the people we serve, and our friends and neighbors have every opportunity to make their voices heard about the issues they care about. Voting is an important way to achieve that goal.  

The following is a living document, which will be updated as new information becomes available.  

These FAQs are specific to the November 2nd general election in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as these are the states in which Vinfen provides services.  

If you are seeking election information about other states, we recommend visiting www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/ or your state’s Secretary of State website.  

If you have questions or suggestions for this FAQ, please contact Julie Banda at bandaj@template.vinfen.org.   

The Massachusetts 2021 General Election  

When is the election?  

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. 

What offices are on the ballot on November 2nd?  

Elections for sub-state municipalities, such as county government or city government are on the ballot on November 2, 2021. Mayors, council members, city attorneys, school boards, and sheriffs are some of the people who may be elected by municipal elections. 

The Massachusetts 2021 General Election  

 
Who is eligible to vote in Massachusetts?  

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.  

You may vote in an election in Massachusetts if you are a resident of Massachusetts, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, and not currently incarcerated for a felony.  

How do I know if I am registered to vote in Massachusetts?  

To check if you are registered to vote, visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ and click “Check Registration Information.”  

How do I register to vote in the November 2nd election?  

You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person.  

To register online, visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ and click “Register or Pre-Register to Vote.” On this site, you may also update your address (which you will need to do if you have moved since the previous election) and register with or change your party affiliation.  

If you cannot register online, you may still register without leaving your home by sending a mail-in voter registration form to your local election office.   

If you need to register to vote in person, contact your local election official about their ability to accept in-person registrations.  

What are the voter registration deadlines?  

You must register to vote by October 13, 2021.  

Remember, Massachusetts does not have same-day voter registration. You must register by the voter registration deadline of October 13th to vote in the November 2nd election. If you are mailing in your registration, it must be received by October 13th

How do I vote in the November 2nd election?  

You may vote in person on November 2nd or vote by mail. To vote by mail, you must request, complete, and submit an absentee ballot.  

Where and when do I vote?  

Polls in Massachusetts are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2, 2021. If you wish to vote in person, you may find your poll site here. You can also vote early. Please check with your local election office as dates may vary. You may also vote by mail, with an Absentee Ballot (information about how to get an Absentee Ballot is outlined below).  

When can I vote early for the November 2nd election?  

Please check with your local election office as dates may vary.  

Can I vote by mail in the November 2nd election?  

Yes! All registered voters in Massachusetts can vote by mail in any 2021 election, with no excuse needed.  

What is the process for voting by mail?  

  • If you have not already received an application, apply for an absentee ballot by filling out a 2021 Vote by Mail Application.   
  • Send the signed application to your local election office.  
  • You will receive your absentee ballot in the mail.   
  • Fill out your absentee ballot in its entirety.  
  • You can return your ballot by mail or in person.   
  • If you are mailing your ballot, use the return envelope that was provided with the ballot, which is pre-addressed and pre-stamped for your convenience.   
  • If you are hand-delivering your ballot, you can drop it off at your local election office or in an official ballot return drop-box. Contact your local election office for the location of their secure drop-box.  

How do I request an absentee ballot?  

Fill out a 2021 Vote by Mail Application. Send the signed application to your local election office. You will then be mailed a ballot to vote and return. It is strongly recommended to fill out and return your application as soon as possible so that you will receive your ballot in time.  

If you can’t print the application, any written request is acceptable, if it is signed. You can write a letter to your local election office that says you want a ballot. Make sure to include your name, address, and where to mail your ballot.  

You can also request an application by calling 800-462-8683 or emailing elections@sec.state.ma.us.  

Is there a deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?  

Yes! Applications for absentee ballots must be received by Monday, November 1st at 12 p.m.  

Can I email my absentee ballot application?  

Yes, but the application needs to be signed. You can either sign your application by hand and email an image of your application to your local election office or sign your name using a mouse, stylus, or finger and then send that saved application to your local election office. Typed signatures are not acceptable.  

Can I fax my absentee ballot application?  

Yes, if you have access to a fax machine, you may fax your application to your local election office.  

How do I know if my absentee ballot application was received?  

You can use the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website to track your mail-in ballot. If your application is marked as “Pending,” that means your application has been received and your ballot will be mailed out as soon as it is ready.   

If the website can’t find a record for you, that may mean that your application hasn’t been received yet and you should call your local election office.  

I have a different question about absentee ballots.  

The Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office has a page on absentee voting that may answer your question.  

Do voters with disabilities have special rights?  

Yes! Important federal and state laws exist to protect people with disabilities’ fundamental right to vote and prohibit discrimination. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website.  

The Connecticut 2021 General Election  

Who is eligible to vote in Connecticut?  

  • Are you at least 17 and turning 18 before Election Day?  
  • Are you a United States citizen living in Connecticut? 
  • If you have been convicted of a felony, have you completed confinement and parole?  

If you can answer yes to all three of these questions, you are eligible to register to vote in Connecticut.  

How do I know if I am registered to vote in Connecticut?  

You can check your registration status here: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.  

How do I register to vote in the November 2nd election?  

You may register online at: https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/    

You may also register by mail by printing and completing the Voter Registration form and mailing it to your local town clerk.    

If you miss the deadline for registering for an election, you can register and vote in person on Election Day at your town’s Election Day Registration location. Contact your local registrars of voters for information about location, hours of operation, and ID requirements.  

What are the voter registration deadlines?  

The voter registration deadline for the upcoming election is Tuesday, October 26, 2021.  

How do I vote in the November 2nd election?  

You may vote in person on November 2nd or vote by mail. To vote by mail, you must request, complete, and submit an absentee ballot.  

Where and when do I vote?  

Polls in Connecticut are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2, 2021. If you wish to vote in person, you may find your poll site here: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx. You may also vote by mail, with an absentee ballot.  

What is the process for voting by mail/absentee ballot?  

  1. Apply for an absentee ballot.  
  • For the November 2nd election, please use the application for absentee ballot:  
  • If requested after October 26th, use the emergency application for absentee ballot:  
  1. You will receive your absentee ballot in the mail.   
  1. Fill out your absentee ballot in its entirety.  
  1. Submit your absentee ballot by mail or in person to your local town clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2, 2021.  

Is there a deadline to request an absentee ballot?  

Yes! Your absentee ballot application must be received by your local town clerk by Monday, November 1st.  

How do I request an absentee ballot?  

An absentee ballot must be requested by mail. You can find the appropriate forms at myvote.ct.gov/absentee.   

How do I cast an absentee ballot?  

Cast your Absentee Ballot by mail or in person to your local town clerk by 8 p.m. on November 2, 2021.  

What happens if I don’t have enough postage to mail my absentee ballot application or absentee ballot?  

USPS has a policy of always delivering absentee ballots and applications, even if they are short on or missing postage.  

I have a different question about absentee ballots.  

The office of the Connecticut Secretary of State has created an FAQ on absentee ballots that may answer your question.  

Do voters with disabilities have special rights?  

Yes! Important federal and state laws exist to protect people with disabilities’ fundamental right to vote and prohibit discrimination. For more detailed information, the office of the Connecticut Secretary of State has compiled a Fact Sheet for Voters with Disabilities

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