Elections Division - Boston, MA

Elections Division: Secretary of the Commonwealth

Guardian of Democracy

The Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth constitutes the central authority for election administration in Massachusetts. Located in the McCormack Building on Ashburton Place, this division oversees the execution of state laws regarding elections 🗳️. It serves as the primary resource for local election officials, candidates, and voters, ensuring that the democratic process is conducted fairly, accurately, and transparently. The division is responsible for certifying nomination papers, preparing ballots for state elections, and maintaining the Central Voter Registry.

• Election Administration: Coordinates state primaries, presidential primaries, and general elections across all municipalities.
• Ballot Access: Certifies signatures for candidates and ballot questions (initiatives and referenda).
• Voter Registration: Maintains the statewide database of registered voters and manages the automatic voter registration system.
• Election Results: Compiles and publishes official returns of votes for state and federal offices.

Voter Resources

Residents contact the Elections Division for assistance with voter registration status, polling place locations, and absentee or mail-in ballot requests 📬. The division operates the toll-free voter information line (1-800-462-VOTE) to answer questions from the public. While most day-to-day voting operations are handled by local city and town clerks, the state division sets the regulations and provides the necessary materials and training.

Visiting the Office

The Elections Division is open to the public for candidate filings, record requests, and general inquiries. As it is housed within the John W. McCormack State Office Building, visitors must adhere to strict security protocols. Entry requires passing through metal detectors and x-ray screening for bags. Valid government-issued photo identification 🆔 is required to obtain a visitor pass. The office is located on the 17th floor.