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November 6, 2018 Election Breakdown

What are our restaurants doing to promote Voters getting out the Polls? 

Island Creek Oyster Bar 

If you’re still coasting on that Red Sox World Series high, here’s another reason to hang out in Kenmore Square: If you display your “I Voted” sticker at Island Creek Oyster Bar, you’ll earn yourself a complimentary Crispy Oyster Slider.

Island Creek Oyster Bar, 500 Comm. Ave., 617-532-5300, islandcreekoysterbar.com.

Row 34

There are ample opportunities for free oysters on Election Day this year, because nothing says mid-terms like a raw bar. Head to Row 34 in Fort Point with your “I Voted” sticker and the staff will give you two free oysters.

Row 34, 383 Congress St., Boston, 617-553-5900, row34.com.

BostonMagazine.com: Power through the Midterms with Boston-Area Election Night Specials.

What’s on your ballot and where do candidates stand on issues?

Voter Guide: Get Informed

Understanding Voting Rights

Voting Rights

We have the freedom to choose our leaders and engage on the issues that we care about. That means we can build power in our communities and create real change. Our right to vote gives us that power.

But whether that right is protected varies from state to state. (Yes, even today.) Some states have laws that encourage voters to participate and make our voices heard, while others have laws that confuse and block voters, which lowers turnout — and our impact.

As the largest and most diverse generation in American history, we have the strength to defend our voices and our votes. Will you join? 

Why Is Your Right to Vote Important?

The right to vote gives us the power to hold our elected leaders accountable — to remove those who don’t represent our values and replace them with leaders who will fight for our vision for the future.

Sometimes leaders who don’t share our values get scared of this power, and they try to take away our right to vote. They create barriers, like poll taxes and restrictive identification requirements, to try to silence our resistance. But each time they do so, Americans have marched, fought, and even died to protect our rights.

This fight is far from over. We’re here to help simplify what’s going on, but we need your help defeating bad policies that threaten our freedoms and fighting for policies that protect everyone’s right to vote.

As Oprah said in a recent campaign speech for Stacey Abrams:

Every single one of us, every single one of us has the same power at the polls. And every single one of us has something that if done in numbers too big to tamper with cannot be suppressed and cannot be denied. As our civil rights predecessors used to say, ‘We shall not be moved.’ …

 

For anybody here who had an ancestor who did not have the right to vote and you are choosing not to vote wherever you are in this state, in this country, you are dishonoring your family. You are disrespecting and disregarding their legacy, their suffering, and their dreams when you don’t vote. Honor your legacy. Honor your right to citizenship in this in which is the greatest country in the world.

 

What’s Going On Now?

Since each state has its own voting laws, the current state of voting rights depends on which state you’re voting in.

In states with rules that encourage participation, voter turnout and engagement are higher. In states with complicated or discriminatory policies that turn citizens away, people are prevented from exercising their rights and speaking truth to power.

It’s up to us to hold our elected leaders accountable and support those willing to fight alongside us.

Check Voting Rights in Your State

Ranked States

Your ability to exercise your right to vote varies by state. We ranked states based on the laws and policies that impact our generation’s voting rights, and the results aren’t all that pretty.

Check out your state HERE

Voting Rights Resources

We have a chance to be the change we want to see in this world. We have an opportunity to speak up for our communities and our future. Let’s take it.

Get Ready to Vote

Register to vote

MA Voter Registration: Remember, you can’t vote unless you’re registered.

Recently turn 18? Maybe you want to change your party or your voter registration address? Make sure you are eligible to vote in this next election. Take a few minutes and complete the voter registration form so you can Rock the Vote!

Register to Vote Now
Lookup Your Voter Status

Pre-Registration

16-year-olds and up can pre-register to vote. On your 18th birthday, your voter registration application will be fully processed.

Same Day Registration

Massachusetts does not offer the opportunity to register to vote on Election Day.

Automatic Voter Registration

Massachusetts does not automatically register eligible citizens to vote when they go to a government agency, like the DMV.

If You’ve Moved

Massachusetts does not require registrants to live in the state for a specific amount of time before registering to vote.

Documentation Requirements

When submitting a voter registration application, no additional documents are required for your registration to be processed. The state confirms your citizenship and eligibility through the information provided on your registration form, such as your state-issued license/ID number or the last 4 digits of your SSN.

Voting Rights Restoration

Voting rights of convicted persons are restored upon release. Returning citizens must re-register to vote after their rights are restored.

Interstate Voter Rolls Accuracy & Maintenance

Massachusetts participates in the Interstate Crosscheck program to compare voter rolls with other states for maintenance purposes.

Important MA dates:

Massachusetts General Election

 Nov 6, 2018

Early Voting: Oct 22, 2018 – Nov 2, 2018
In-Person Absentee Voting: Not available
Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:
Received by Mon Nov 5, 2018 12:00PM EST
Deadline to Return Completed Absentee Ballot:
Received by Tue Nov 6, 2018
Massachusetts Voter Registration Information
NH Voter Registration: Remember, you can’t vote unless you’re register

Recently turn 18? Maybe you want to change your party or your voter registration address? Make sure you are eligible to vote in this next election. Take a few minutes and complete the voter registration form so you can Rock the Vote!

Register to Vote Now
Lookup Your Voter Status

 

Pre-Registration

17-year-olds who will be 18 by the next general election can pre-register to vote. On your 18th birthday, your voter registration application will be fully processed.

Same Day Registration

New Hampshire offers the opportunity to register to vote on Election Day at the polling place. You will be asked to show proof of age, citizenship, and domicile.

Automatic Voter Registration

New Hampshire does not automatically register eligible citizens to vote when they go to a government agency, like the DMV.

If You’ve Moved

New Hampshire requires registrants to live in the state at least 30 days before registering to vote.

Documentation Requirements

In New Hampshire, voters must submit proof-of-domicile when registering to vote. If none is supplied, you can still vote, but there is official follow-up with the state to confirm your domicile.

Voting Rights Restoration

In New Hampshire, the voting rights of convicted persons are automatically restored upon release, but these individuals must re-register to vote.

Interstate Voter Rolls Accuracy & Maintenance

New Hampshire does not participate in any coordinated effort with other states to compare voter rolls for maintenance purposes.

Important NH dates:

New Hampshire General Election

 Nov 6, 2018

Early Voting: Not available
In-Person Absentee Voting: Not available
Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot: Mon Nov 5, 2018 5:00PM EST
Deadline to Return Completed Absentee Ballot: Delivery by Specified Family Members: Contact Town Clerk
New Hampshire Voter Registration Information

FAQ’s

Where can I learn who's running for office, research issues, and check to see my state's voting laws?

 

To learn more about the election process and who is running for office check out Rock the Vote’s Election Center.
On Election Day, If I think my rights have been violated, what should I do?
Call (866) OUR-VOTE if you feel your rights have been violated. There will be lawyers on hand to answer Election Day questions and concerns about voting procedures.
Am I requird to vote for everything on the ballot?
No! You don’t have to answer everything. If you’re not sure what is on the ballot, here are some great resources you can use.
What if I go to the polls and they tell me I am not registered to vote?

 

First, make sure you are at the right polling place. If you are at the wrong polling place they will not have your name on the list of voters. If you are at the correct location and are not on the list, you can still cast a ballot. Ask the poll worker for a provisional ballot. After the polls close on Election Day the state will check on the status of your voter registration and if there was a mistake made. The state must notify you as to whether your ballot was counted. If you have a problem voting and think your rights have been denied, call (866) OUR- VOTE. There will be lawyers there to help.

 

Do I need to show Identification to vote?

 

Most states require some form of identification either when you register and/or when you vote. The rules vary state by state. Check out your state rules at our Election Center.
Where do I vote on Election Day?
CLICK HERE to find out where you vote on Election Day. Polling places are usually within walking distance of your home (unless you are in a very rural area). A polling place can be in a business, a person’s house, a school, or a community center, to name a few establishments.
How do I unsubscribe from emails and text messages from ROCK THE VOTE?

 

After filling out an online voter registration form, you will receive – at most –three automated reminders to print, sign, and mail in your form. After that, if you have not signed up to receive Rock the Vote emails, you will not receive future emails from the organization. If you check the box to sign up for emails and no longer want to receive them, we can remove you from the list manually or you can click unsubscribe at the bottom of the next email we send. To unsubscribe from our text messages, text STOP to RTVOTE.

 

How do I update my email address with ROCK THE VOTE?

 

Rock the Vote can either update your email address manually or you can sign up with us again using your new address at http://www.rockthevote.com/join.
I changed my legal name, how do I change my name on my voter registration?
On every voter registration form, there is a place to fill in your previous registration information. You will fill out the form as if it were your first time doing so, and where it asks you to put in your old information, you would put in your previous name, (for example, your maiden name).
Can you change your vote if you voted early?

 

Some states allow you to do this. Please check with your local elections office to determine the rules in your state.

 

How do I obtatain an absentee ballot?

 

To vote by absentee ballot, you must submit an absentee ballot request form through your state. You can grab yours at our Election Center.
I won't be around on Election Day, How can I get an absentee ballot?
You must be registered to vote to request an absentee ballot. The requirements for requesting an absentee ballot vary from state to state. Click here to find your state’s absentee ballot information.
Does a voter card serve as form of identification for voting?
Most states do not accept a voter card as a form of ID. If you are a first-time voter who mailed in your registration form, you should check out our Election Center to find out what identification you will need at the polls.
Why should I hold onto my voter card?
A voter card lets you verify that your voter registration information is correct, such as your name, address, and birthdate. It also has the address for your polling place, which is where you will vote on Election Day.
What if my info on the card is wrong?
The card should have information on how to change any incorrect information (such as the wrong apartment number or that your name is misspelled). If for some reason there are no instructions, get the information to call your state or local election administrator.
Do I need my voter card to vote?
No. Voter cards let you know that you have successfully registered to vote. They contain information for where you will vote on Election Day and a phone number for your state if you have any questions. Voter Cards are NOT required to vote. Check out our Election Centerfor additional information about what you must bring with you to the polls on Election Day.
I lost my voter card. How can I get another one?
You should be able to call your state and request a new voter card. Not all states send out voter cards.
I don't know if I ever received a voter card (or I love mine), What should I do?
Call your state to make sure you completed your voter registration form correctly and that they have you listed as a registered voter. If you’re registering right before the voter registration deadline, chances are you won’t receive the card in time for the election. You do not need this card to vote but you do need to know if you’re registered and where your voting location is. Get the information to call your state election authority with any questions.
How long does it take to get my voter card in the mail?
It usually takes 6-8 weeks for the state to send out your voter card. If 8 weeks have passed and you haven’t received your card, you probably are not registered and should call your state to make sure your registration went through properly. If you register to vote with fewer than 8 weeks to the election, you may not receive your card in time. Call your state to confirm your registration.
What does a voter card look like?
Voter cards vary from state to state but generally, they’re small cards that look like a postcard.
What is a voter card?
After you register to vote, most states send out a “voter card” to let you know your registration has gone through. The voter card helps you to confirm you’re registered to vote and that your information is correct. Most also contain information about where you will go to vote on Election Day.
Is it too late to register to vote?
Voter registration deadlines vary by state. Check out our Election Center for information for the voter registration deadlines in your state.
I may already be registered but I don't know. How do I know if I'm registred to vote?

 

You can check your voter registration status directly with your state or by using our voter registration lookup tool.

 

Can you register to vote online?

 

Some states do offer online voter registration. Check with your local voter registration and/or your state election offices or register to vote online with Rock the Vote’s tool here.
What do I do if I complete the online voter registration form but do not have a printer?
If you do not have access to a printer you should complete a paper voter registration form at your local board of elections, the DMV, post office, or public library.
When I received my completed online voter registration form from ROCK THE VOTE, I realized a piece of my personal informtation (email, phone, address, etc) was incorrect. What should I do?

 

Not to worry. Your form is not processed until you’ve printed, signed and mailed it in. You will need to complete the form again online–make sure you review all the information before you submit so that you don’t have to correct anything again.

 

Can I put a P.O. Box address or a school mailbox address as my permanent address?

 

No. Your form will not be processed if you put a P.O. Box as your permanent address. For districting purposes, you must put a physical address. There is a section of the form to put your mailing address, in addition to your physical address.
I just moved to a new state yesterday. Can I register to vote in that state right now?
Residency rules vary by state. In some states, you may be eligible to register to vote in your new state immediately upon moving. In others, you may need to wait a certain number of days or be living in the state for a certain amount of days before you register to vote in the next election. A state cannot require you to live there for more than 30 days to register to vote. Check out our Election Centerfor information on your state.
I am a student. Can I register to vote at my school address?
YES! You have the right to register to vote at your school address – this includes a dorm room. Any student living in a dorm is entitled to the same rights as any other student. To imply otherwise is illegal. If you receive mail in a Post Office box you can sign an affidavit (or, in some cases, get a letter from your college’s Residential Life office) asserting that you live at your dorm address. For more info, check out our Election Center.
I am a voter with a disability. Will my polling place be accessible and what options do I have to cast a ballot?
Every voter has the right to cast a private and independent ballot, including voters with disabilities. If you want to learn more about what your voting rights are or were denied the right to vote because of your disability, you can find your state’s National Disability Rights Network member agency here. Additional resources for voters with disabilities can be found through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and Nonprofit VOTE.
I was previously convicted of a felony. Can I register to vote?
If you were convicted of a felony, your voting rights may vary from state to state. Learn more here.
Do I need to re-register if I've moved?
Yes, if you have changed your address, changed your name, or need to change your political party, you must re-register. Check out our Election Center for information for the requirements in your state.
Where can you register to vote?
You may be able to register to vote at public facilities like the DMV, your local election office or in some states, online. Before heading out, check with your state voter registration and/or your state election offices or register to vote here with Rock the Vote.
Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to register to vote?
Yes. You must be a naturally born or fully naturalized U.S. citizen to register to vote.
Do I need to be 18 to register to vote?
The voter registration age requirement varies by state, but most states allow individuals who will be 18 by the next election to register to vote. Some states do have a minimum age requirement to register to vote (for example you may have to be 17 ½ years of age). Check out our Election Center for the voter registration eligibility requirements in your state.
When is the last day to register to vote?
Voter Registration postmark deadlines vary from 30 days out to just a couple of days before the elections. Check out our Election Centerfor information for the voter registration deadlines in your state.
Above Information provided by: Rockthevote.org