Massachusetts residents who want to vote must register by Oct. 17

BOSTON — Massachusetts residents who want to cast ballots in this year's election have until Wednesday, Oct. 17, to register to vote, if they haven't already done so.

Residents can register at their local city and town clerk's offices or online at the secretary of state's website.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are a number of big races on the ballot.

In the contest for governor, Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez is taking on Republican incumbent Charlie Baker. In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren is hoping to hold off Republican challenger Geoff Diehl and independent Shiva Ayyadurai.

There are also a handful of ballot questions, including proposals that would require strict nurse-to-patient ratios in Massachusetts hospitals and repeal anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.

Who can vote?

To register in Massachusetts, you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of Massachusetts
• Be 18 years old on or before the next election
• not have been convicted of corrupt practices in respect to elections
• not be under guardianship with respect to voting
• not be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

Here in Mass., there are several ways you can register to vote.

Online voter registration:

You can register through the state's online registration system if you have a valid Massachusetts ID. Online registration is available until October 17.

By-mail voter registration: 

To register to vote via mail, you will need to print and fill out this form. Send the completed form to your local election official. The form must be postmarked by October 17.

In-person voter registration:

To register to vote in person, contact your local election office for information on when and where to register.

Think you're already registered to vote? Check your voter registration status.

Associated Press