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

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

Accessible Vote by Mail Ballot – Voting Procedures

In Worcester, voters can choose to receive an accessible Vote by Mail ballot. Accessible vote by mail ballots are available for certain voters. If you are blind or have a vision impairment, have a mobility or dexterity disability, or have another disability that makes it difficult for you to mark a paper ballot, you can request an accessible vote by mail ballot. You can use the accessible vote by mail system to mark your ballot using a computer or mobile device. Once you’re done voting, you can return your ballot electronically.

Applying for your Ballot

To request your Vote by Mail ballot, you will need to submit a Vote by Mail application to the Worcester Election Office:

• Online - Mail-In Ballot Registration Status : Search
• By mail – Worcester Election Commission, 455 Main Street Room 208, Worcester, MA 01608
• By e-mail or fax - votebymail@worcesterma.gov or 508-799-1137
• In person - Worcester Election Commission, 455 Main Street Room 208, Worcester, MA 01608

Vote by Mail applications can be submitted online through the Mail-in Ballot Application System.

To receive an accessible Vote by Mail ballot, check the appropriate box at the bottom of the online application form and provide your email address.

An Accessible Vote by Mail Application can be downloaded or printed.

The accessible Vote by Mail application allows you to use a type-written signature if you are not able to independently sign your application by hand.

Application Deadlines

Any mail-in ballot must be requested in writing by 5 p.m. on the 5th business day before the election. Your application can only be accepted if it has reached your local election office by the deadline. Apply as early as possible.

Voting by Accessible Vote by Mail Ballot

Once your application has been received by your local election office, they will send two emails to the email address provided on your application. One will include instructions for accessing the system and returning your completed ballot and the second will give you a unique access PIN to use to login. You can use the accessible vote by mail system to mark your ballot using a computer or mobile device. Once you’re done voting, you can return your ballot electronically or print your completed ballot.

Returning Your Accessible Vote by Mail Ballot Electronically

To return the ballot electronically, you will need to review the ballot materials and ballot before submitting the ballot to your local election official using the secure web portal. Ballots returned electronically must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.