Mail-In Ballots

APPLYING FOR A MAIL-IN BALLOT

Absentee and early Vote by Mail ballots must be requested in writing at least 5 business days before Election Day. Applications are available for download below, but any written request is acceptable if it has your signature on it. For absentee ballot applications, a member of your family may also make the request on your behalf.

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or fax. If you are emailing your application, you may either scan or take a photo of your signed application and email it to elections@worcesterma.gov, or you may sign your application using a mouse, finger, or stylus and email the completed and signed attachment. Typed signatures are not acceptable.

If you are not able to print the application, you may request that one be mailed to you or you may write a letter to your local election official requesting your ballot. Make sure to include your name, your address, the place you would like the ballot mailed, and your signature. If you are requesting a primary ballot and you are unenrolled (independent), be sure to indicate which party's ballot you want to have mailed to you.

Eligibility

Absentee Ballot

To qualify for an absentee ballot, you must:

1. Be away from your city/town on Election Day; or
2. Have a disability that keeps you from voting at your polling place; or
3. Have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling place on Election Day

ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS

Application Solicitud en Español

Application by a Family Member

Early Vote by Mail Ballot

Effective immediately, early voting by mail must be available for all state elections, state primaries and presidential primaries.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth will be mailing Vote by Mail applications at least 45 days before every regular state primary, state election and presidential primary. The applications will be sent to everyone registered to vote by the 60th day before the election who has not already applied for a ballot. The applications will be pre-addressed to the local election office and postage pre-paid.

Similar to the absentee ballot voting requirements, an application must be completed with an original signature.

You may obtain the application online or by contacting the Worcester Elections at 508-799-1134.

EARLY VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT APPLICATION - Online Application | PDF Application

RETURNING YOUR BALLOT

For most elections, all ballots will still have to be returned by close of polls on Election Day. Beginning with the 2022 State Election, ballots will be able to arrive up to 3 days after Election Day for biennial state elections only.

You can return your ballot in person at Worcester Election Commission, 455 Main Street, Room 208 or any secured ballot drop box, located at each Fire Station in Worcester. Visit www.worcesterma.gov to find a list of Worcester's ballot return locations.

Accessible Voting By Mail

The Accessible Vote by Mail system allows you to receive, complete and return your ballot electronically using a secure web portal if you are unable to mark a paper ballot because of a disability.

You may also choose to print your completed ballot and return it by mail, secure ballot drop box or in person to your local election office or early voting location.

The Accessible Vote by Mail system is available only to voters who are blind or have vision impairments, mobility/dexterity disabilities or other disabilities that make it difficult or impossible to effectively access a paper Vote by Mail ballot, because of inability to independently read, write, hold or physically manipulate standard print materials.

If you are eligible and wish to use the Accessible Vote by Mail system, you must apply with the Worcester Election Office by emailing votebymail@worcesterma.gov.

Accessible Vote by Mail Application

Use the Accessible Vote by Mail Application to apply for your ballot. You must provide the following information on the application before submitting it to your local election official:

1. Voter Information - Provide your name, the address where you are registered to vote, date of birth and email address.
2. Ballot Information - Choose which ballot(s) you want to receive by mail. If you're requesting a primary ballot and you're not registered in a party, you must pick a primary ballot. Provide your ballot mailing address if you want to return your ballot by mail, drop box or in person.
3. Accommodations - Check the appropriate boxes to request an accommodation.
4. Assistance - If you're helping someone complete the application, or you're requesting a ballot for a family member, fill out this section.

In order to provide you with access to the electronic ballot, your local election official will need you to provide your email address. The Worcester Election office will send access information for your ballot to the email address you provide on your application.

You must include a signature on the application, which may be handwritten or hand-drawn using a mouse or stylus. If you cannot independently insert a hand-drawn signature, you may type your name in the signature line.