Voting in the Massachusetts Primary Today? It May Be Quieter Than You Think

Voting in Massachusetts Election

I just voted in the Massachusetts primary.

No crowds. No lines. Easy parking.

My own trip was remarkably quick, even though I had to straighten out an inactive voter status before I could vote.

That's not a guarantee that every polling place will be empty today. But primaries generally draw fewer voters than November general elections, and if you're sitting home picturing long lines and packed parking lots, that may not be what you find.

If your voter status says inactive, don't panic

I'd forgotten to return my annual municipal census, so when I arrived at my polling place, I was listed as an inactive voter.

I had to see the election warden. They asked for my driver's license, verified me, reactivated me and I voted.

A few extra minutes. That was it.

So if you've checked your voter registration and discovered you're inactive, don't assume you can't vote. Go to your polling place and ask what you need to do.

One important distinction: Massachusetts does not generally require every voter to show photo identification. I was asked for my driver's license because I needed to resolve my inactive voter status.

Don't forget the bottom of the ballot

I chose the Democratic ballot, and there are important choices beyond the races getting most of the attention.

One of mine was the Middlesex District Attorney race between incumbent Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet.

District attorney is one of those offices people can breeze past without realizing how much power comes with it.

The DA's office makes decisions involving violent crime, domestic violence, victims, defendants, police conduct and prosecution.

Those decisions can affect your life a hell of a lot faster than many of the races getting national attention.

Your ballot will depend on where you live, so don't stop paying attention after the first few names.

My report from the polls

Mine was easy.

No line.

Easy parking.

One voter-registration wrinkle fixed on the spot.

And I was back home before it felt like I'd really gone anywhere.

If you've been putting it off because you're expecting a production, go take a look.

And if something isn't right when you check in, don't walk away.

Ask.

Then fill in those circles.

Go vote.

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