Automatic Voter Registration
As of January 1, 2020, if you are a Massachusetts citizen conducting certain transactions through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth, and the Commonwealth Health Connector and you do not opt out of registering to vote, you will automatically become registered to vote.
If you do not opt out of registering, you will automatically be registered to vote when you:
- Apply for or renew a driver's license
- Apply for or renew a learner's permit
- Apply for or renew a state ID
- Apply for MassHealth benefits online, in person, or by phone.
- Apply for health insurance through the Commonwealth Health Connector
If you do not wish to be registered to vote, or you do not wish to be registered at the address you use with the RMV, MassHealth, or the Health Connector, you may opt out of registering.
FAQs
Q. Do I still need to register to vote?
A. If you are not registered to vote where you currently live, you should submit a voter registration form now. You will not be automatically registered to vote until you apply for/renew your driver's license or state ID, or apply for health insurance through MassHealth or the Health Connector. You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at any city or town hall.
Q. How does automatic voter registration work?
A. If you don't opt out of registering to vote with the RMV, MassHealth, or the Health Connector, and that agency has determined that you are a United States citizen, then your name, address, and date of birth will be sent to your local election office so you can be added to the voter list. Your local election official will mail you a notice confirming that you are registered to vote within 2-3 weeks.
Q. How do I opt out?
A. You will be asked in writing or verbally if you do not want to register to vote. You may opt out of registering to vote at that time.
Q. If I don't opt out and I am already registered to vote, will I be registered twice?
A. No. If you are already registered to vote at your current address, nothing will change. If you are registered to vote at a different address in Massachusetts, your address will be updated with your new registration.
Q. What if I am not the one completing my health insurance application?
A. Automatic voter registration does not apply to applications completed on another's behalf. If you are applying for a family, only the person who signs the form will be registered to vote.
Q. What if I move?
A. If you are re-applying for health insurance or a driver's license when you update your address, you will be automatically registered to vote at your new address if you do not opt out. If you are merely updating your address, you should submit a new voter registration form when you move. You can update your address for voter registration purposes online.
Q. How do I choose a political party?
A. If you are already registered to vote in Massachusetts, automatic voter registration will not change your party affiliation. If you are not already registered to vote in Massachusetts, you will automatically be registered as Unenrolled (commonly referred to as "Independent"). You will be notified of the opportunity to join a party when you receive confirmation of your voter registration.
Q. What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
A. If you are not a citizen, you are not eligible to vote and you should opt out. The RMV, MassHealth, and Health Connector collect information about lawful presence in the United States and they will not submit names to local election officials of any persons they have determined are not U.S. citizens.