What are the goals of CTVMA for this year?

Throughout this election season, we will be engaging candidates about the impact that arts, culture and creativity has on our economy, on developing youth, on the health and well-being of residents, and how much greater this impact could be with more intentional leadership and investment. Our primary goals are to increase the visibility of the arts and cultural sector with MA residents and voters, engage statewide candidates on cultural policy issues, and increase voter participation in the upcoming statewide elections.

What actions will CTVMA take to achieve those goals?

We will achieve these goals through: 

• Community Organizing
  • Convene a diverse coalition of arts and cultural leaders and organizations
  • Recruit arts advocates for candidate engagement and voter mobilization
  • Engage community in policy platform development / candidate questionnaires 
• Candidate Engagement
  • Hold community meetings and roundtable discussions with statewide candidates.
  • Develop and issue an arts and culture focused questionnaire to every candidate and sharing their responses with artists, creative workers and cultural supporters

• Community Education & Communication
  • Share information with audiences, arts supporters and creative workers
  • Develop resources, tools and communications that help artists, cultural leaders and arts supporters understand the role of elected officials in the advancement of the creative sector
  • Create communications that support voter turnout and participation
• Policy
  • Develop a policy platform that reflects the current and future needs of the creative sector in Massachusetts. 
  • Support the creation of candidate questionnaires based on policy platform.

How can I get involved?

Let us know you’d like to join the Create the Vote Coalition by filling out our online form or emailing [email protected] You can also help by sharing this information with your networks and encouraging others to get involved in our shared work.

When are the elections?

There are two elections. The first one is the preliminary election, which will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 7am-8pm. The top two vote getters for each office will then campaign for support before the final election on November 8, 2022 from 7am-8pm. The candidates who get the most votes in this final election will be the next to take office. Learn more about upcoming elections.

Who can register to vote in MA?

Though you must be 18 years or older on election day to cast a vote, you may pre-register to vote starting at age 16. You also must be a U.S. citizen and currently living in Massachusetts to register. 

Just because you cannot vote does not mean elections don’t matter. We encourage all residents of the Commonwealth to engage in the Create the Vote Campaign.  Let us know you’d like to stay informed or get involved by filling out our online form, and sharing this information with your networks. 

How do I register to vote?

Visit the state’s website to register online or check your registration. To complete the registration form, you will need a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or State ID, and a signature on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Are there deadlines to register?

Yes. To vote in the Tuesday, September 6 preliminary election, you must be registered to vote by Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 8pm. To vote in the Tuesday, November 8 final election, you must be registered to vote by Wednesday, October 19, 2022 by 8pm.