Get Out the Vote

Click on your dorm’s icon to get instructions on where you should vote on election day.

Voters can be sure of one thing when they go to the polls on Tuesday, November 4: they’ll have a lot of company. A record turnout is expected for this historic presidential election.

If you are not sure where to vote, and what to do once you get into the booth, BU Today has all the information a first-time voter needs to know.

Who can vote?
American citizens who are 18 years old on or before election day, Tuesday, November 4, and are registered to vote.

Where do I vote?
If you are registered to vote in Massachusetts, type in your address on this page to find out where you vote. If you live on campus, click on the icon next to your dorm on the map above.

Can I vote early?
In Massachusetts, you are allowed to vote before election day only if:
1. You will be out of town on voting day.
2. You have a disability that prevents you from going to the polling station.
3. Your religious beliefs prohibit you from voting on election day.
If any of these applies to you, click here to find out how to get an “absentee in-person” ballot.
Note: Applications for an absentee ballot have to be in by noon the day before the election (today, November 3).

When are the polls open?
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on voting day.

How long will it take to vote?
Make sure you have at least an hour or more to allow for long lines. Those voting at urban centers, such as the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, should expect the lines to be even longer.

What’s the best time of day to vote?
Polling places tend to be busiest just after opening, at lunchtime, and right before closing. To minimize your wait, try to vote midmorning or midafternoon.

What kind of ID do I need to bring?
If you are registered to vote in Massachusetts and this is your first time voting, you need to bring an ID that states your name and local address, such as a Massachusetts driver’s license. Or you can bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport, along with an official document containing your name and address, such as a piece of mail, a bill, or a paycheck.

How can I check my voter registration status?
Click here and select your state from the drop-down menu.

Besides the presidential candidates, what else will be on the ballot?
In addition to the presidential and vice presidential candidates, the Massachusetts ballot will include candidates for the U.S. House and Senate and the state House and Senate. The full list of candidates is available here. There are also three ballot questions, or initiatives.

What are ballot initiatives?
They are proposed statutes, amendments, or policies that independent groups have petitioned to get on the ballot. Three initiative petitions will appear on the Massachusetts ballot this year: Question 1 would eliminate the personal income tax by 2010; Question 2 would make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil, rather than a criminal, offense; and Question 3 would prohibit dog racing on which betting or wagering occurs. Click here for more information.

Do I have to vote on everything?
No. You can vote just on what is important to you.

Edward A. Brown can be reached at ebrown@bu.edu. Davide Nardi can be reached at dnardi@ bu.edu. Jessica Leving can be reached at jleving@bu.edu.