ELECTION MODERNIZATION COALITION, VOTING RIGHTS ADVOCATES, AND ELECTION OFFICIALS TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF SAME DAY REGISTRATION BILL

Written by Mira Donaldson

On September 16th, MassVOTE and the Election Modernization Coalition (EMC) joined voting rights advocates, election officials from Maine and Vermont, healthcare professionals, housing experts, and community leaders at the Massachusetts State House to testify in favor of legislation establishing Same Day Voter Registration (SDR) in the Commonwealth (S.505, H.384).

Speakers highlighted how SDR would eliminate unnecessary registration deadlines that prevent thousands of eligible voters from casting their ballots. Testimonies underscored the law’s potential to expand access to the ballot box and strengthen democracy across Massachusetts.

“There is no evidence of widespread fraud in the 20+ states that already implement Same Day Registration. In fact, SDR can strengthen election security by using tools like e-poll books to ensure real-time updates and prevent double voting,” said MassVOTE Executive Director, Cheryl Crawford.

The coalition emphasized that Massachusetts remains behind many other states that already allow Same Day Registration. By passing SDR, legislators can ensure more inclusive elections that reflect the voices of all Bay Staters.