Be a Public Health Voter!

Your Vote Matters. Your Vote Impacts Health. Your Vote Impacts Community Health. 

The results of the 2026 state and national elections will shape public health and health equity across the Commonwealth for years to come. This November, we have the chance to reset our national, state, and local priorities in support of science, public health, and a strong public health workforce. 

Take steps now to make sure you can vote and make your voice heard. Use MPHA’s Public Health Voter Guide to make your plan, learn about the ballot questions that will impact our health, and remember to bring others with you. 

Make Your Plan to Vote

CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION AND/OR REGISTER TO VOTE.

It takes just a few minutes. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted in a while, check your status now. Massachusetts does not currently offer Election Day registration, so this deadline matters. 

The deadline for registering to vote is October 24, 2026. 

LEARN ABOUT YOUR VOTING OPTIONS.

Massachusetts gives every registered voter three ways to vote. Pick the one that works best for you.

Vote by mail.  

  • Apply by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27. You can use the application mailed to you, apply online, or send your local election office a signed written request. 
  • Return your ballot as early as you can. You can mail it back, use a secure drop ballot box, or hand-deliver to your local election office or any early voting location in your community.  
  • Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by 5:00 PM on November 6. Mail ballots cannot be dropped off at your polling place on Election Day. Track your ballot.

Vote by early in-person.

  • Early voting for the November 3, 2026 State Election will be held October 17-30.  
  • You can vote at any early voting location in the community where you’re registered. Hours vary by community. Schedules will be posted on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website by October 9. Find an early place location near you. 

Vote on Election Day.

  • Find your polling place with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s “Where Do I Vote?” Tool. 
  • Polling places across Massachusetts will be open from 7 AM until 8 PM. 

KNOW WHAT’S ON YOUR BALLOT.

Research your choices before your mail ballot arrives or before early voting begins: 

  • Identify and evaluate your candidates through a public health lens by reviewing candidates’ records, policy positions, and public commitments. 
  • Learn about the ballot questions. Nine statewide questions will be on your ballot, and some communities have added local questions. Check out the state’s 2026

GET READY TO CAST YOUR BALLOT.

Research your choices before your mail ballot arrives or before early voting begins: 

  • Write down your plan: how you’ll vote, when, where, and how you’ll get there. 
  • Bring your notes. You can bring your worksheet or a sample ballot into the voting booth. 

VOTE!

Cast your ballot and make your voice heard for healthy, equitable, just, and thriving communities. 

  • Write down your plan: how you’ll vote, when, where, and how you’ll get there. 
  • Bring your notes. You can bring your worksheet or a sample ballot into the voting booth. 

BRING YOUR COMMUNITY WITH YOU.

Cast your ballot and make your voice heard for healthy, equitable, just, and thriving communities. 

  • Public health is a team effort, and so is voting. 
  • Share this checklist with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. 
  • Help someone check their registration before October 24. 
  • Offer a ride to an early voting site or the polls