Can massachusetts vote by mail

Massachusetts allows absentee voting, but it's not the same as vote-by-mail. Here's what you need to know:

Absentee Voting in Massachusetts:

In Massachusetts, voters can request an absentee ballot for various reasons, including:

  1. Military or overseas voting
  2. Temporary or permanent disability
  3. Absence from the city or town on election day
  4. Religious belief
  5. Other good cause

To request an absentee ballot, voters must submit a written application to their local election official (city or town clerk) at least 7 days before the election. The application must include the voter's name, address, date of birth, and signature.

Vote-by-Mail (VBM) in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts does not have a universal vote-by-mail system, where all registered voters are automatically sent a ballot. However, some cities and towns in Massachusetts have implemented VBM systems for specific elections or groups of voters.

For example:

  1. In 2020, the city of Cambridge conducted a VBM pilot program for the state primary election.
  2. The town of Provincetown has a VBM system in place for all elections.
  3. Some cities and towns have VBM systems for specific groups, such as voters with disabilities or those who are 65 or older.

Current Efforts to Implement Vote-by-Mail in Massachusetts:

There are ongoing efforts to implement a universal VBM system in Massachusetts. In 2020, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that would have allowed all registered voters to receive a ballot by mail for all elections. However, the bill was vetoed by Governor Charlie Baker.

In 2022, a new bill was introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature that would establish a universal VBM system for all elections. The bill is still pending and has not yet been passed.

Conclusion:

While Massachusetts does not have a universal vote-by-mail system, voters can still request an absentee ballot for various reasons. Some cities and towns in Massachusetts have implemented VBM systems for specific elections or groups of voters. Efforts are ongoing to establish a universal VBM system in the state, but it has not yet been implemented.