Decision 2024: Democracy In Action

The commencement of the 2024 election season is marked by the initiation of voting in Iowa on January 15. This period encompasses the presidential primaries and caucuses across the country, extending until June.

A narrow majority of Latinos in the U.S. are eligible to vote, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center. A little over half of all Latinos (53%) were eligible to vote in 2022.

Knowing the voting requirements before heading to the polls is essential, as the rules can be complex. Are you eligible to vote in the primary? Is pre-registration necessary? What kind of identification, if any, is needed? We at Massachusetts Latino News (MALN) want to help you find the answers to these questions.

The Massachusetts primary elections will determine the delegates for the Republican and Democratic national conventions. The presidential preference primary, scheduled for March 5, will determine which candidates receive Massachusetts delegates. On this same day, a special election will also be held for the 6th Worcester district House seat, which became vacant when Peter Durant joined the Senate.

The primary election to select Republican and Democratic candidates for state and county offices in the general election on November 5 will take place on September 17.

Some key races include the U.S. Senate and House, as well as the Massachusetts Senate and House. There will also be a special election to fill a vacant seat in the Massachusetts General Court and eight seats on the Governor’s Council.

Important Dates:

Registered Democrats and Republicans can only vote in their respective party’s primary. However, unaffiliated voters can choose either major party’s primary.

While most states utilize primaries to choose their presidential nominees, nine states, including Iowa, continue to opt for caucuses as their selection method. Unlike traditional primaries, where voters privately cast their ballots, caucuses involve them gathering together to express their preferences openly.

For the upcoming election, the Democratic and Republican parties will hold caucuses in Iowa, Idaho, and Wyoming. However, only the Republican party will conduct caucuses in Alaska, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, and Utah.

Registration deadlines and requirements differ across states. In 42 states and the District of Columbia, online registration is available. Additionally, in 22 states and D.C., you can register and vote on the same day. If you choose this route, it is vital to have proof of your residence ready, such as a driver’s license or ID card. Some states may accept documents like paychecks or utility bills with your address as proof of residency. In certain states, same-day registrants may need to sign an affidavit or take an oath attesting to their eligibility and confirming that they still need to vote.

Under the “motor voter” law, states must allow individuals to register at motor vehicle offices. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, approximately one-third of all voter registration applications are submitted through motor vehicle offices annually.

The 2024 Republican National Convention is scheduled to be held July 15 to 18, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After hosting the Democratic National Convention in 1996, the event will return to Chicago, Illinois on August 19-22, 2024, at the United Center.