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SUPPORT FOR ELECTION MODERNIZATION IN MASSACHUSETTS

Written by Chloe Doonan


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Massachusetts, now is the time to bring voting legislation into the modern age. We urge support for the Election Modernization Coalition (EMC)’s top legislative priorities: H.384/S.505: Same Day Voter Registration, H.820/S.504: Disability Voting Access Oversight, and H.799/S.503: Separating Municipal Census and Voter Registration. Common Cause Massachusetts and its coalition partners aim to reduce barriers to voting and lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable democracy in Massachusetts.


Today, a 10-day voter registration cutoff disenfranchises thousands of Massachusetts constituents. Implementing Same Day Voter Registration will remove this unnecessary barrier. Currently, 21 states and Washington, D.C. allow same-day registration. 


Implementing Same Day Voter Registration will increase voter turnout. Research indicates that interest in elections spikes closer to election day. Same Day Voter Registration will likely increase turnout in Massachusetts by 4-12% (MassVOTE). 


Personal restrictions serve as barriers to voting today- consider a parent jungling multiple jobs and young children. They do not need another obstacle to casting their ballot. Let's make it easier to engage in our civic duty by removing this restrictive registration deadline. 


Further, no one should be turned around from the ballot box due to a lack of accessibility. Supporting H. 820/S. 504: Disability Voting Access Oversight is also essential. This policy will ensure that all polling locations and early voting sites are inspected by the Secretary of Commonwealth at least once every four years. This will ensure necessary compliance with both state and federal accessibility laws. In the event that a site is found to be noncompliant, it must submit a corrective action plan within five days. This bill is critical to making Massachusetts elections more accessible and equitable for all voters.


Finally, we urge support for H.799/S.503, a bill that will not drop citizens from the active voter list, in the event that they fail to return the municipal census. The status quo removes eligible voters from the active voting list. Currently this policy affects nearly 700,000 Massachusetts residents per year which is no small number (Partners in Democracy). Separating these necessary systems will protect voter status. 


Now is the time to bring election policy into the 21st century. It’s time to take necessary next steps by implementing these policies into law. We urge support in promoting these key legislative priorities to continue to improve access, accessibility, and trust in our election system as we strive to continue to improve voting policies in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.


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