Voting: What Students Should Know

Can I register to vote in Massachusetts if it’s not my home state?

The good news is that Tufts students who are not permanent residents of Massachusetts can vote here. These are the requirements:

  1. Must be a U.S. citizen
  2. Must be 18 years old on or before November 2
  3. Must show picture identification at the time of registration or voting and proof of residence in Massachusetts . For off-campus students, this includes a utilities bill. On-campus students, can go to the office of student housing to get a letter on Tufts stationary stating that you are a Tufts student in university housing.

How do I register to vote in Massachusetts?

 There are several ways you can do this.

  1. The Tufts Registrar’s Office in Dowling Hall has registration forms.
  2. You can fill out a voter registration form on-line. Then, print it, sign it, and mail it. The mailing address of your state's Board of Elections will be printed on the form for you. 
  3. You can go to Medford or Somerville voter registration offices. They are:
    Medford , Registrar of Voting, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, 781-393-2491
    Somerville , City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. , 617-625-4987.
For further information on voting in Massachusetts , click here.

What are the deadlines for voter registration?

 In Massachusetts, the deadline is October 13. Click here for other state deadlines.

What do I do if I want to vote in my home state?

 The decision of where to vote is a very personal one. If your home state is considered a "swing state," you might think about registering to vote in your home state by absentee ballot.  To apply for an absentee ballot for your state, check with your State Secretary.  In most cases, the absentee ballot is sent to you by mail, and you must get the ballot back to your Board of Elections before Election Day, November 2, 2004 .  Requirements vary from state to state, and some states require you to sign an affidavit and send a copy of your driver's license or other ID with your absentee ballot.

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