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1. If I’m voting in person, do I need to show ID?

In most cases Identification is not required to vote in Massachusetts. In very few cases some new voters may need to show ID. ID can be a driver’s license, or a statement or bill showing your name and address. 

Elections & Voting

2. When are the sealed ballots in the ballot envelopes counted?

Ballot envelopes are opened on Election Day at the precincts by election officials. The ballot envelope is checked in on the voter list and then the ballot is placed in the tabulator and counted. 

Voting By Mail

3. What if my ballot can’t be scanned by the tabulator?

If a ballot is damaged or smudged it will be placed in a section of the ballot box to be hand counted by election officials after the polls close. All ballots at the precinct will be counted on Election Day. 

4. What is early voting?

Early voting is a process by which a registered voter can vote prior to a scheduled election. Voters can vote early by mail or in-person during the business hours of the City Clerk’s Office. Mail in ballots will be mailed out 3-4 weeks before the election.

5. Who is eligible to vote early?

All residents who are registered voters on or before the deadline to register to vote for any State election. Voters registered in the City of Fitchburg may only early vote in the City of Fitchburg. No reason required.

In-Person Early Voting

6. Is early voting available for all elections?

As of June 2020, early voting by mail is available for state elections, primaries, special elections and local elections.  In person early voting is available for all elections, except for local elections. Unless the City/Town opts in to have in-person early voting. Visit Vote By Mail to see if there will be no-excuse vote by mail in the upcoming election.

7. How do I get a Mail in ballot?

Voters must request a mail in ballot for every election for which early voting applies. Applications are available on the City Clerk’s web page or contact the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov to have one mailed to you.  For all state elections a postcard application will be mailed to every registered voter by the SOC.

8. Can I pick up an early voting ballot for a family member or friend?

No. The family or friend must come in person to the Town Hall or mail a request to have the ballot mailed to them.

Voting by Mail

9. If I vote early can I also vote at the polls on Election Day?

No. Your ballot will be considered cast and you will not be eligible to vote by mail, in person or at the polls on Election Day.

Elections & Voting

10. Is absentee voting still available?

Yes. If you are qualified to vote by absentee ballot you may still do so. 

To apply for an absentee ballot you must be a registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to:

• absence from the City of Fitchburg during normal polling hours; or
• physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
• religious beliefs

Voting by Mail

11. How can I apply to vote by mail if I don’t have a printer and I didn’t get the postcard?

A handwritten note on any piece of paper is fine. It should be clear which election you want a ballot for and where the ballot should be mailed. All notes and applications must be signed. For a primary election, you must specify which party ballot you want if you are registered as an unenrolled voter. 

Notes and applications can be placed in a ballot drop box, dropped off in person in the City Clerk’s Office, mailed, or you can email a scan or photo of the application to cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov. 

12. I applied to vote by mail, but my ballot never arrived.

If there is still time, you can make a written request (or email request) for a replacement ballot. Or you can vote during early voting hours or on Election Day at your precinct. 

13. If I apply to vote by mail and decide not to return my mailed ballot, can I vote in person?

Yes. Once we receive a ballot back we consider that you have voted. However, until we get the ballot you are able to vote in person. 

Voting at the Polls

14. I have my mail forwarded automatically to an address outside of Fitchburg for part of the year. Will my ballot be sent to my away address?

No. You must provide an address every time you apply to vote by mail unless you are using the address where you are registered. Ballots will not be forwarded by the post office. 

15. I have a student away at college? Can they vote by mail?

Yes. The postcard application will come to their Fitchburg address. You can send the postcard to your student for them to sign. Or you as a parent or guardian can complete a Vote by Mail application and fill out the section for assisting a voter. Sign your name on the signature line. 

You can choose to have the ballot mailed to the student at home and you can send it to the student by a faster method yourself. It’s important to plan enough time for the ballot to be returned on or before Election Day.