2012 Information For Voters

A Message from Secretary Galvin...

Dear Voter:

What major events will happen in your life during the next four years? Whether it’s the achievement of personal goals, such as education, health, retirement, or simply financial or employment security, your personal goals will be affected by the choices we make in the upcoming elections. Will you have a voice? You should. This election is the opportunity for your voice to be heard.

If you have not yet registered to vote or need to re-register because you moved, you can download a voter registration form, print it, sign it and mail to your local election official, but the form must be postmarked by October 17, 2012 to have your name appear on the voting list. If you or any other members of your household would like any additional registration forms mailed to you instead, please contact 1-800-392-6090 or 617-727-7030.

There are three binding statewide ballot questions that will appear on your ballot. The 2012 official Information for Voters booklet lists each question with the text of the proposed law, statements describing the effect of a yes or no vote, a summary and brief arguments for and against each question. This information will assist you in making a thoughtful decision before you enter your polling place and you can even take it with you into the voting booth if you wish.

My office provides many important services including business formation, investor protection, land record recordation and many others. However, the most important service we perform is providing citizen information. If you need help finding your way through state government, please contact our Citizen Information Service at 1-800-392-6090 or 617-727-7030.

I urge you to vote on November 6, 2012 and exercise the most essential right of our democratic system. Polling places will be open from 7:00am to 8:00pm statewide. Absentee ballots are easily available before the election.

Very truly yours,
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth