BOSTON (AP) — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is asking Massachusetts supporters to pledge online to cast their ballots next week.

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous tells supporters in an email that many elections this year will be very close. He says an online pledge to vote on Tuesday will let the civil rights group know it can count on supporters to cast their ballots.

The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights group in the country. It is encouraging well-wishers to elect leaders who back its fight for civil rights, human rights and social justice.

The NAACP has set up a special web page for supporters to commit to vote, saying that will secure the goal of building a free and open country for all.