JumboVote Resources

Absentee voting and vote-by-mail mean that you cast your ballot in the mail rather than going to the polls on Election Day. Some states require a reason or excuse to require an absentee ballot, while others send your mail-in ballot to you automatically. Most states require you to request your absentee ballot, and then you return it in the mail.

College students can vote in either their home state or in their college state. If you wish to continue voting in your home state but will not be present in your home state on Election Day, you must request an absentee ballot so that you can vote while on the Tufts campus.

Use TurboVote for directions in requesting an absentee ballot and updating your mailing address. Also check TurboVote for any extra information your state requires, such as sending a copy of a photo ID or getting your forms notarized.

Check the Tisch College Vote page for state-by-state deadlines to request your mail-in ballot.

If your state requires your ballot to be received by Election Day, JumboVote recommends returning your mail-in ballot 2 weeks before Election Day to ensure that your vote is counted. Other states require that it be postmarked by Election Day, so you should still return your ballot a few days before Election Day.

• You’re invested in issues in your home community
• You’re from an area with competitive elections
• You’re from a state where the youth vote will be of particular significance. View CIRCLE’s Youth Electoral Significance Index for states where the youth vote will have an especially high impact.
• You’re from MA but are unable to return to your home town to vote at your polling place on Election Day 
• Note that if you are on a state scholarship with specific residency requirements, voting in MA could change your eligibility

Notary or witness signature required with absentee ballot application:

• MS, SC

Notary or witness signature required with absentee ballot return:

• AL, AK, AR, LA, MS, MN, MO, NC, OK, RI, SC, VA, WI

Check out the Tisch College Vote page for state-by-state ID requirements.

Check your voter registration: Check to ensure that you are registered at the correct location. If you are voting by mail, this is likely your home address.

Getting your ballot: Print an absentee ballot request form or complete one online, which can be found on your state’s Secretary of State website. When your request is approved, your election official will mail you a ballot.

Voting by mail: Once you receive your ballot, fill it out as soon as possible and mail it back to your local election official. Importantly, you won’t be able to mail your ballot back through the mailroom, so take it to the closest post office or dropbox. Take note of any requirements like a notary signature or signatures of witnesses. JumboVote can help you get any necessary form notarized. Check the absentee ballot return deadlines in your state, which can be found on the Tisch College Vote page, to know when you must return it. 

You are eligible to vote if you...

• Are a US citizen
• Meet your state’s residency requirements
• Are 18 years old on or before election day
• Are registered to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline. 

If you have been convicted of a felony, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility in your state.

If you are not eligible to vote, there are still many ways to be civically involved! Working as a poll worker, protesting, organizing, canvassing, donating, contributing to mutual aid funds, and volunteering within your community are all incredibly valuable forms of civic engagement.

To register to vote, use TurboVote!

If you prefer a printable form, simply download it here. The form will need to be mailed to your local election official. 

*WY does not accept the national voter registration form and ND does not have voter registration, though you will still need a valid form of identification.

To vote in Massachusetts, you must have:

• The last four digits of your social security number to register with a paper form 
• A Massachusetts issued ID, license, or any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address to register online

To check your registration in the state of Massachusetts, register at your new address, or register as a new voter, use TurboVote! You must register 20 days before any primary or election.

Note that if you do not have an ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, you’ll have to register by mail using a paper form. Use TurboVote to help you fill out the paper form. You will then have to download, sign, and mail the paper registration form to either of the following addresses: 

MEDFORD: 

Elections Commission

85 GEORGE P HASSETT DR

MEDFORD, MA 02155

SOMERVILLE: 

ELECTION COMMISSION

93 HIGHLAND AVE

SOMERVILLE, MA 02143

 If you live in an on-campus dorm, TurboVote will automatically fill in the address of your on-campus residence after you choose your dorm from a drop-down menu.

This registration address is distinct from your mailing address. If you want election forms (mail-in ballots, applications, etc) sent to an on-campus address, you should use this address format, as indicated by Tufts Mailing Services. The address format below should not be used for registration in Massachusetts; this is exclusively your Tufts mailing address:

Full Name

Mail box Number (MEDF - XXXXXXX)

c/o Tufts University

46 Professors Row

Medford, MA 02155