So I discovered today that having marked the "Register to vote" box on an application at the Massachusetts RMV, and having filled out and signed all of the relevant questions on that form, does not actually ensure that one will be registered to vote. Not sure how they came up with that system.
Most of my ballot entries would have been symbolic, since there is fortunately no question about the prospects of Obama and Kerry (up for senate re-election) in Massachusetts. However, it would have been useful to vote no on the mindless Question 1, which seeks to eliminate the state's income tax.