2026 Resources for MA Voters

In Massachusetts, there is no generally applicable requirement for voters to show an ID at their polling place. 

However, an election official may ask a voter to show an ID in a few limited circumstances, including when:
• The voter is voting for the first time in Massachusetts
• The voter is on the inactive voter list because they failed to respond to their local annual street listing mailer (aka “municipal census”) or to a follow-up inquiry from local election officials
• The voter is casting a provisional or challenged ballot
• The poll worker has a practical and legal reason to ask for identification

A voter’s ID must include the voter’s name and the address where they are registered to vote.
Examples include:
• current and valid (not expired) photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID
• recent utility bill
• rent receipt or lease
• copy of a voter registration affidavit
• bank statement
• a letter from a school dormitory or housing office
• a government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter

If a voter is asked to show an ID because it’s their first time voting but they don’t have an acceptable ID, the voter must be given the opportunity to vote by provisional ballot.

If a voter casts a provisional ballot because they lack an acceptable ID, the voter must return to the polling place with acceptable identification before the polling place closes or the ballot will not be counted.

If a voter needs to show an ID for any other reason and can’t, they can cast a challenged ballot. Information on the challenged ballot will include the voter’s name and address, the challenger’s name and address, and the reason for the challenge. The challenged ballot will be cast as normal and only examined if there is a recount, court order, or audit.

source: https://866ourvote.org/state/massachusetts/