This Tuesday, November 4th is an election day in Massachusetts and around the country. Polls are open from 7am until 8pm, and all registered Massachusetts voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE

According to trusted policy wonk Kid President, You Could Change the World!

WHAT’S ON THIS YEAR’S BALLOT?

Thanks to the Secretary of State’s office, you can view your sample ballot online here.

There are elections for candidates, and ballot issues, so pay attention so you’re not surprised when you walk into the voting booth.

Candidates for Elected Office

This year’s ballot includes elections for US Senator, Governor (and Lieutenant Governor), Attorney General, Secretary of State (Massachusetts), Treasurer, Auditor, U.S. Representative (commonly called, Congressman), State Senator, State Representative, Register of Probate, and County Sheriff.

Your ballot could differ from your neighbor, so be sure check it out here before you go to the polls (again, open from 7a-8p on election day). Reviewing your ballot beforehand will save time at the polls, and have you looking like a pro on E-Day!

To best get acquainted with each candidate, The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, a non-partisan and trusted organization, has put together a fantastic guide that I would encourage you to review (as opposed to basing your opinions on the endless attack ads you’ve likely seen on television).

Ballot Questions

There are four referendums, or ballot questions, this year. They relate to:

1. Eliminating the Gas Tax Index
2. Expanding the Beverage Container Deposit Law
3. Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming; and
4. Earned Sick Time for Employees

Click on the individual question above for a summary, and objective arguments for and against each.

If you have any other questions, please call (1-800-462-VOTE (8683)) the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office or visit their website.

ARE YOU REGISTERED?

If you’re unsure whether you are registered to vote, or are unsure as to where you may be registered to vote (you can only vote at your registered polling location), click here to find out, or call the Secretary of State’s office at 1-800-462-VOTE (8683) for more information.

Unfortunately, if you were not registered by October 15th, you will be unable to vote. However, you can request a voter registration form here to be sure you don’t miss out on voting in the next election!

If you will be out of town on E-Day, but still would like to vote, you may be able to vote absentee. More information can be found here.

TRACKING THE RESULTS

After the polls close at 8pm, local and state election officials will begin tallying the votes received. If you’re looking to follow the results, you’d be well-served by going to boston.com online, tuning your television to New England Cable News, or following the Twitter hashtag #mapoli.