About Voting

Cambridge has a ranked choice system, which might be different than what you’re used to. Essentially, you'll be given a ballot with a list of the candidates, and you will fill in a bubble for the rank you want to give them.

So you'll start with something like this:

Seabiscuit 1 2 3
Phar Lap 1 2 3
Secretariat 1 2 3

And turn in something like this:

Seabiscuit 1 2 3
Phar Lap 2 3
Secretariat 1 3

Preview an official sample ballot

Counting the Votes

If you'd like to know more about how Cambridge elects 9 councillors from a bunch of ballots with numbers... See our interactive presentation to learn more about Ranked Choice Voting.

How to Register

The deadline to register to vote has passed. But we encourage you to register to be ready for the next election.

There are a couple of ways to register:

  • If you have a valid driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID issued by Massachusetts, you can register online.
  • If you do not, you must register by mail or in person — details here.

How to Vote

Voting in Person

  • Look up your polling location here.
  • On November 2nd, go there and vote!
  • An ID is not usually required, but sometimes it is — bring one if you have it, just in case.

Good news! Early voting is now available for Cambridge municipal elections!

Voting by Mail or Dropoff (Early)

  • By now, you must have already requested your ballot and had it mailed to you
  • Fill it out!
  • Mail it in - it must arrive by November 2nd
  • Drop it off at one of Cambridge's secure ballot drop boxes
  • Drop boxes are open 7am - 8pm
  • The deadline for dropoff is Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 8pm

Voting in Person (Early)