Civic Engagement
Register to Vote
You may register to vote in Massachusetts if you meet the following requirements:
You are a citizen of the United States.
You will be at least 18 years of age on or before the next election.
You are a resident of Massachusetts.
You are not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.
If you meet the above requirements, you may register to vote online, by mail, or in person.
Registration Deadlines
The deadline to register to vote in any election or regular town meeting is twenty (20) days prior to the date of the election or meeting. The deadline to register to vote in a special town meeting is ten (10) days prior to the special town meeting.
If you are a new citizen who was naturalized after the last day to register to vote, you may register to vote in person at your local election office until 4 p.m. on the day before the election. You should bring documentation to show that your naturalization ceremony occurred after the voter registration deadline.
Register Online
If you currently have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card, you may use the online voter registration application to register, update your address, or change your party affiliation. Voter registration forms submitted online must be submitted by midnight on the date of the voter registration deadline.
Register by Mail
If you do not qualify to register to vote online, or if you would prefer to register by mail, you may download the Voter Registration Form (PDF). The form must be completed, signed, and sent to the Town Clerk in your town:
Acton:
Town Clerk
472 Main Street
Acton, MA 01720
Boxborough:
Boxborough Town Clerk
29 Middle Road
Boxborough, MA, 01719
You should receive a confirmation notice in 2 to 3 weeks. If you do not receive a confirmation notice or wish to confirm your voter registration status, please contact the Town Clerk to verify your voting status.
Voter registration forms submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than the voter registration deadline.
Register in Person
If you would like to register in person, you may do so at the Town Clerk's Office at your Town Hall.
Voter registration is also available as an option as part of every transaction at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and at certain public assistance agencies. Voter registration forms completed in-person are valid as of the day that they are signed.
Changing Your Address
You must update your voter registration every time you move. If you have moved, you may update your registration by filling out a new voter registration form. If you move after the deadline to register to vote in a state election or primary, you should wait to update your registration until after the date of the election or primary, and return to vote at your previous polling place in Massachusetts. State law allows you to vote from a previous address in a state election for up to six months after you have moved, as long as you have not registered elsewhere.
Political Parties
If you wish to change your party enrollment, you may do so by filling out a new voter registration form. Members of political parties may vote only in their own party’s primary elections. Unenrolled voters (commonly referred to as "independents") and members of political designations or minor parties may vote in the party primary of their choice. Choosing to vote in a particular party’s primary does not enroll you as a member of that party.
View a full list of political parties and designations.
Identification Requirements
Certain voters must submit a copy of their identification with their voter registration or present it at their polling place on Election Day. For more information on identification requirements, please refer to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Identification Requirements page.
Voting
Town Meeting
Town Meeting is the legislative branch of town government, used to enact local laws, pass budgets and authorize spending of town money. The Town Meeting form of local government is only used in New England.
The Towns of Acton and Boxborough are both currently governed by Open Town Meeting. In an Open Town Meeting, any voter registered in the town may attend, speak on the articles, and vote for or against them. For each Town Meeting, a Warrant is published, listing the date and time of the meeting as well as the articles that will be discussed and voted upon.
Boxborough Guide to Town Meeting, Boxborough Town Meeting Website
Town Boards & Committees
You don't need to be a citizen to participate on a board or commission.
Civic Engagement Groups
Represents Acton renters and condo residents, works towards creating solutions to the housing and climate emergency by offering bold advocacy, tools, resources, and models. Prioritizes solving residents' problems and mobilizing for change
The LWV-Acton Area is a non-partisan, grassroots organization in Massachusetts that supports and opposes issues, but not candidates or political parties. Our charter is to protect voters, educate and engage voters, reform money in politics and defend the environment. We educate local voters by holding candidate forums for candidates running for office in both local and state elections. Our website provides information on town and state election resources and links to our recorded candidate forums. We always welcome new members!
Democratic Town Committee: Acton, Boxborough
Republican Town Committee: Acton, Boxborough
Get Involved in Your Town – YouTube is a short video to encourage residents to participate in local government more. You don't need to be a citizen to be part of a committee or board. You do need to be a citizen to vote (even for voting for the school committee).