Dear [firstname],
Election Day is 20 days away. With all that's going on, please don't lose sight of just how miraculous and special the right to vote is. Few people in the history of the world have had the rare and extraordinary power we have as voters. We get to take our future into our own hands and choose what kind of country we want to live in.
From Lexington and Concord to Gettysburg and Normandy, Americans of every generation have fought to protect and expand that right. In Selma, Alabama, my friend John Lewis put his life on the line and led marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to end racist voter suppression laws. John used to say, "the right to vote is precious, almost sacred." I know he meant it. Only for such a precious and sacred right would he and so many others risk so much. We don't just do ourselves a disservice if we fail to vote—we dishonor those who fought to give us that right in the first place.
October 24 is the deadline to register to vote in Massachusetts, and you can register or confirm your registration status by clicking here.
There are four ways to vote this year:
Vote Early by Mail: Apply online here. I recommend you submit your application by October 20. Return your ballot by mail or deliver it in person to your local election office, a secure ballot drop box, or any early voting location in your city or town during early voting hours. Your ballot must be postmarked or dropped off by November 3 and, if mailed, must be received by your local election office by November 6. Track your ballot here or look up drop-off locations here.
Vote Early in Person: Vote at an early voting location in your city or town between October 17 and October 30. Early voting locations and hours will be posted here.
Vote Absentee: You can vote absentee if you will be out of town or have a physical disability or a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location. Request an absentee ballot by October 28 and postmark or drop off your ballot by November 3. If mailed, your ballot must be received by your local election office by November 6. Request an absentee ballot application by calling 1-800-462-VOTE or by clicking here.
Vote in Person on Election Day: On November 3, vote at your polling location between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you have the right to vote. Confirm your polling location here.
Our government—our democracy—is us. It only reflects our will if we show up. Voting is not just our right, it's our responsibility. I hope you will show up and make your voice heard this year.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.
