Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Get Your Vote On! Last Call For Registering To Vote

Time is running out. You must register to vote 20 days before the Nov. 4 General Election to be eligible to cast a ballot. That’s tomorrow!

Fortunately, registering to vote is quick and painless. Almost fun, even. Here’s the lowdown.

Registering in Person:

Go to any registration location (such as your city or town hall) and complete an affidavit of registration, which must be answered truthfully under the penalty of perjury. The questions on the affidavit will include your name, residence, and date of birth.

Registering by Mail

STEP ONE:
Download the Massachusetts Mail-in Voter Registration Form.

STEP TWO:
Fill out the form.

STEP THREE:
Mail the form to your local election official at least 20 days prior to an election or at least 10 days prior to a special town meeting.

STEP FOUR:
Wait 2-3 weeks to receive a response. If you do not receive a response, follow up with your local election official.

If registering by mail, you need to have the mail-in form postmarked by Wednesday October 15, 2014 (That’s tomorrow!!!)

For complete information: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm

To Vote or Not to Vote:

Yes, you should vote. Don’t be seduced by romantic visions of dropping out of the political process. The state’s activities have an impact on you every single day, regardless of whether you pay attention. Getting involved is the only way to influence future state activity and voting is a crucial part of being involved.

There is a lot at stake come Nov. 4.  Massachusetts voters will choose a new Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and State Treasurer. One of the Massachusetts U.S. Senate seats, all of Massachusetts’ seats in the U.S. Congress, and all the seats in both the Massachusetts State Senate and Massachusetts House of Representatives will be on the ballot.

And there’s more! Four important ballot questions will be answered by voters. MALC has profiled Question #1, Question #2, and Question #3. Question #4’s profile is forthcoming. Be sure to read up on them and determine where you stand.

Absentee Ballots

Ok, so you’ve seen the light and you want to get involved in our great Rotarian democracy. You’ve registered to vote and you’re all about it. But, but, but, maybe you’ll be out of town come Nov. 4. No worries! That’s what absentee ballots are for:

Massachusetts allows voters to vote by absentee ballot if they:

  • will be absent from your city or town on election day, and/or
  • have a physical disability that prevents your voting at the polling place, and/or
  • cannot vote at the polls due to religious beliefs.

Does that sound like you? Then click here to get the full 411 on requesting an absentee ballot: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm

Don’t wait! Register to vote today!

Be sure to follow the complete Get Your Vote On! series and remember that the week after the election MALC will be holding its 8th Annual Artists Under The Dome Event at the State House.