You may be on the ballot in a state election in one of two ways:

1. If you are a member of the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian Party, you may be nominated in a party primary.
2. If you are not enrolled in a political party you may run as a non-party candidate only in the state election.

United States Representative

• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Must be a registered voter.
• Must be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years prior to the date of the election.
• Must be an inhabitant of Massachusetts when elected.
• Requires certified signatures of at least 2000 voters registered in the district.

State Senator

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a registered voter.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be an inhabitant of the district when elected.
• Must be an inhabitant of Massachusetts for at least 5 years.
• Requires certified signatures of at least 300 voters registered in the district.

State Representative

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a registered voter.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a resident of the district for one year preceding the date of the election.
• Requires certified signatures of at least 150 voters registered in the district.

The rules for town and local office vary from town to town, and from district to district. Contact your local Board of Elections for additional information.