It’s National Voter Registration Day! Here’s what you need to know

It might seem like a regular Tuesday to you, but September 15th marks the 12th annual National Voter Registration Day, since its founding in 2012, over 5 million people have registered to vote across the country.

Why do I need to register?

In order to vote in national, state and local elections you must be registered to vote with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Luckily you probably already are and don’t even know it! Individuals who hold a Massachusetts driver's license, state ID card, or learners permit are automatically enrolled to vote unless specifically opted out.

Unsure? You can check your registration status here by providing some basic personal information. If you are under 18 and registered, your voting status will read as PRE-REGISTERED. Your party enrollment by default will show as UNENROLLED meaning you can vote for any party’s candidate. 

This is what you will see when you check your voter registration status.

How can I register?

If you aren’t registered to vote yet, you can do so online here by following the prompts and providing all necessary information. Online registration does require your Massachusetts issued license, ID or permit number. On a driver's license this can be found directly above your last name starting with SA. 

Students from Mrs. Jackson’s Government and Politics class will be in the commons during lunch block ready to assist anyone in checking their voter registration status, or registering to vote!

What am I even voting for?

This is a presidential election year so obviously the presidency is on the ballot. But there is alot more than that! State elections are just as important and influential on your day to day life as the presidency is. Notably in Massachusetts we have Ballot Initiatives which are pieces of legislation which the citizens directly vote on. There are two initiatives this year significant to high schoolers: Question 2 regarding the Elimination of MCAS as a High School Graduation Requirement and Question 5 regarding Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers. We will cover both of these subjects in more detail soon, but both could have a direct impact on you or someone you know.