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On Wednesday, May 19th, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing on numerous pieces of election-related legislation, including the VOTES Act (H.805 and S.459), which MassVOTE has pledged its support to. You can watch our testimony from the hearing, and watch the hearing in its entirety, on this webpage. Additionally, you can tell your state legislators to support the VOTES Act by searching them on this site.

On Tuesday, May 25, MassVOTE Executive Director Cheryl Clyburn Crawford delivered the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. “It’s difficult to accept that we lost George Floyd one year ago today. It feels like just yesterday we read the headlines, then released our anger, frustration, pity, fatigue, and countless other emotions. Yet in this past year, all of us have strived to honor his legacy. We organized, marched, and demanded change. Whether or not people wanted to listen, we made them hear: systemic racism continues to plague all facets of life in our country. “That work occurred in Massachusetts, and continues to occur. Last year, advocates, legislators, and countless activists helped deliver change through a landmark police reform law meant to curb the unjust violence that too many Black and brown individuals experience. But while we celebrated this move, we knew that it wasn’t the end. One law simply couldn’t confront the racial inequality that has infected our state and country for centuries on its own. “The work we do right now is work aimed at honoring the legacy of George Floyd. That work, at MassVOTE, centers around empowering underrepresented communities at the ballot box. This means not just Black and brown individuals, but all individuals unjustly subject to inequity and inequality, like indigenous, people of color, immigrant, and low-income people. We seek to implement electoral reforms that we know will break down barriers that unfairly impede their ability to vote. These include same day voter registration, expanded early in-person voting, free public transit on election day, and jail-based voting reform. With these reforms, BIPOC, low-income, and immigrant individuals may have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to themselves, their family, their friends, and their community. “Our work, unfortunately, is far from complete. But every day, while remembering George Floyd, our work becomes easier as it keeps us focused.”

May 17, 2021: We've got some breaking news: in just two days - Wednesday, May 19 at 1 PM - the state's Joint Committee on Election Laws will hold a hearing on the VOTES Act (H.805 and S.459). As a reminder, the VOTES Act is one of our major legislative priorities. The bill calls for permanent mail-in voting as well as early in-person voting. It would also implement same day voter registration, and break down barriers that unjustly prevent eligible incarcerated citizens from casting ballots. We're sharing this huge news with you because hearings are one of the most important steps in the legislative process. During this hearing, Massachusetts residents will be able to speak directly to the 17 state representatives and senators considering the VOTES Act. If the committee reports the bill out favorably (supports it), then the bill has a high chance of passing. Yet if the committee reports it out adversely (opposes it), then the bill is virtually dead. We need to do absolutely everything we can to convince the committee to support the VOTES Act. But we must do it together. If you want to speak at the hearing, you have until TONIGHT AT 8 PM to sign up on this webpage. You can also submit written testimony to michaela.gaziano@masenate.gov and sean.getchell@mahouse.gov until 8 PM on this Friday the 21st at 5 PM. Whether you choose to speak at the hearing or submit written testimony, it's critical that you have your voice heard. Legislators need to know why voting matters to you, and why reforms like vote by mail matter to you. To better inform your testimony, you can review this briefing of the VOTES Act. If you need any assistance in writing your testimony, simply reply to this email, or contact Alex Psilakis, our Policy and Communications Manager, at apsilakis@massvote.org. - All of us at MassVOTE

On May 10, 2021 MassVOTE and 19 other advocacy organizations signed onto the following letter in support of the FARE Act. We sent it to each member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, which is currently considering the bill. May 10, 2021 Dear Esteemed Member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, We, 20 advocacy organizations, are reaching out to ask that you support a key election reform currently under consideration by your committee: H.3547 and S.2261, also known as the FARE Act. The FARE Act, or “An Act to Establish Free Access to Ride to Elections in Massachusetts,” would make public transit free on election day. Specifically, it would make bus, subway, and trolley service free for all statewide primaries and elections, which totals two days every two years. It would apply to the MBTA, as well as the state’s 15 regional transit authorities. H.3547 was introduced by Representatives Frank Moran and Chynah Tyler, while S.2261 was introduced by Senator Joe Boncore. We are asking that you support the FARE Act because we believe it essential to promoting equity and accessibility in our electoral system. Voter turnout statistics from the 2020 General Election illustrate what we mean. In predominantly white, wealthy suburban communities like Medfield, Dover, and Sudbury, voter turnout rates climbed to 90% or higher. Yet in more diverse, lower-income urban communities like Springfield, Lawrence, and New Bedford, voter turnout rates were nearly half that, reaching just over 50%. In parts of Boston, such as Roxbury, voter turnout rates were as low as 42%. Simultaneously, BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income individuals depend on public transit at far higher rates than white individuals. As of 2017, for example, 9% of white households in Massachusetts did not have reliable access to a car. However, that rate rose to 25% for Black households and 27% for Latino ones. Additionally, as of 2016, approximately 70% of those that rode the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) depended on it as their only mode of transit. 50% of those riders, meanwhile, lived below the poverty line. We believe the FARE Act critical to breaking down barriers and easing access to the ballot box. By making key forms of public transit free for all statewide primaries and elections, the state may take one simple, yet powerful step to eliminate a financial barrier deterring people from voting. Furthermore, the state may help close our voter turnout gap, which is glaringly and frustratingly split across racial, socio-economic, and geographic lines. While we know that this reform will benefit all Massachusetts voters, we especially believe that it will empower our BIPOC, low income, and immigrant voters by easing access to the types of transit they rely on in the predominant communities they reside in. Finally, passing the FARE Act will send a strong message to rest of the country: Massachusetts is dedicated to making voting as accessible and inclusive as possible. This is crucial, given the fact that 43 states have in total introduced more than 250 pieces of legislation to make voting less accessible and inclusive. While making public transit free on election day would be a first for Massachusetts, it would not be a first nationwide. Dozens of major metropolitan areas, like San Diego, Dallas, Kansas City, provide free public transit on election day. Yet the largest area to do so is Los Angeles County, which is home to about 10 million residents, 5.5 million registered voters, and 88 cities. LA County first offered fare-free bus, subway, and bike services during the 2018 Midterm Election. Leading up to and on election day, LA County placed metro personnel at strategic locations to raise awareness around the free service and answer any questions they received. As a result, LA County subway and bus service rose by more than 5%, while the program cost around $600,000. Due to these minimal costs and increase in ridership, LA County made public transit free for all statewide primaries and elections. In considering the national precedent for this policy, as well as benefits it will have in empowering BIPOC, low income, and immigrant voters, we hope that you will support the FARE Act. Along these lines, we hope that the FARE Act will soon receive a public hearing, and that the committee will report the legislation out favorably. Thank you for your consideration. We understand how busy you are in attending to the needs of this committee, and your own district, so your thought means a great deal. Please feel free to reach out to any of us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the FARE Act. Sincerely, MassVOTE North Shore Community Development Coalition ADL New England Black Economic Justice Institute Rosie's Place Amplify Latinx Neighbors United for a Better East Boston Resilient Sisterhood Project Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association League of Women Voters of Massachusetts Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. Progressive Mass La Colaborativa Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action Worcester Interfaith Good Governance Project Lowell Votes Common Cause Massachusetts Massachusetts Voter Table Generation Citizen

On Tuesday, April 27, we joined Policy for Progress to discuss some of the ways we can increase voter turnout both in Massachusetts and across the country. You can watch the full event now.

On Wednesday, April 28, Boston District 5 City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo introduced two home rule petitions that would reform Boston’s municipal elections. One petition would implement same day voter registration, while the other would expand early voting options, including the ability to vote by mail. Our Executive Director, Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, issued the following statement on this development. “We are thrilled to see Councilor Arroyo propose these voting reforms. While we ultimately hope to see these policies implemented across all of Massachusetts, we applaud Councilor Arroyo for highlighting these reforms, and what they mean for the city of Boston. “Last year, Boston embraced the ability to vote early either in-person or by mail. In the September 1 State Primary, 47% of Boston voters cast ballot early, be it in-person or by mail. In the November 3 General Election, that rate climbed to 57%. Boston voters eagerly took advantage of the chance to vote by mail without restriction, whether that was through mailing their ballot via USPS or depositing it in one of the city’s dozen-plus secure drop boxes. The ability to vote early in-person especially benefitted our BIPOC voters, who either lack the same reliable access vote by mail that their white neighbors possess, or trust more in the process of voting in-person. “Even if Same Day Registration (SDR) would be new for Boston, we know that the policy would benefit both the city and it’s voters. More than 20 states practice the policy, allowing voters to register or update their registration on election day. SDR would especially aid the city’s BIPOC and young voters, who are more likely to experience housing instability, and consequently, more out-of-date voter registration information. SDR also benefits election officials by drastically reducing the need for provisional ballots, reducing costs and labor. “We are supporting the VOTES Act, currently under consideration on Beacon Hill as H.805 and S.459, which includes all of the provisions mentioned above. However, we are more than happy to see reforms like SDR and early voting generate more discussion. Policies like these are nationally proven to empower BIPOC, low-income, and young voters, all of whom face disproportionate barriers to the ballot box. No longer should arbitrary deadlines or burdensome qualifications impede someone’s right to vote. Voting must be made as accessible and inclusive as possible, both in Boston and across the Commonwealth.”

Hey there, we wanted to provide you an update on the redistricting process. On Monday, April 26, the US Census Bureau released their reapportionment data. This data detailed the total population for each individual state, as well as the number of seats each state will receive in the House of Representatives during the next decade. The news was great for Massachusetts: our population, according to the 2020 Census, rose to 7,029,917. That's a 7.4% increase from our population in 2010, which stood at around 6.5 million. Our population grew at the highest rate in New England, and matched the national growth rate. As a result, we'll keep all nine of our Congressional seats, maintaining our state's power and influence in Washington, DC. However, this is only the first batch of data that we'll receive from the Census Bureau. By September 30, the Bureau will release their precinct-level data. This data is the most critical in the redistricting process, as it details the demographic makeup of each precinct in Massachusetts. Using this information, the state legislature's Special Joint Committee on Redistricting will redraw the 160 state House of Representative districts, 40 state Senate districts, and eight Governor's Council districts to ensure that residents are fairly represented over the next 10 years. Beginning in 2022, cities and towns across the state will take up this effort in redrawing their precinct lines, impacting how their own city council and school committee districts will look. The state must not merely use this data to draw districts. Instead, it must use this data to draw the most equitable and representative districts possible. This means drawing as many majority-BIPOC and heavily-BIPOC districts as the data allows for. According to recent research, around 25 House districts are majority-BIPOC, as are four Senate districts. Many more districts aren't majority-BIPOC, but they're growing rapidly and will likely meet that threshold in the coming years. We testified to the redistricting committee on this very issue earlier this month, and will continue to advocate for it through the following months. We believe it essential that our underrepresented communities receive the representation they deserve. Want to join us in this effort? Over the next few months, the redistricting committee will hold a hearing in each of the state's nine congressional districts. There, residents may speak about why redistricting matters to them, as well as how they hope to be represented on Beacon Hill and in Washington, DC. The first of these hearings will take place on Tuesday, May 4 for the state's fifth congressional district. Congressional District 5, which is currently filled by Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark, includes communities like Framingham, Cambridge, and Revere. You can learn more about the hearing, such as how to provide testimony, here. If you have any questions or concerns, we'd be happy to aid you in this effort. Additionally, we'll update you with the dates of each redistricting hearing as we receive them.

On April 14, we offered testimony to the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting, where we discussed how voting accessibility must be preserved and expanded during the redistricting process. We were proud to provide testimony alongside our partners in the Drawing Democracy coalition. Watch the full hearing here.

Boston – Today, April 13, MassVOTE is excited to provide an update on “An Act to Establish Free Access to Ride to Elections in Massachusetts,” or the FARE Act. The FARE Act, which would make public transit free on election day, has rapidly gained a wide array of support. Since its introduction in February, 28 state legislators have co-sponsored the bill, while 39 municipal officials and 28 advocacy organizations have called for the act’s swift passage. Included below are comments from just a few individuals and organizations that have joined the movement to make public transit free on election day. “We are ecstatic to see support growing for the FARE Act both inside and outside the State House,” said Division Leader Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence). “As much as we praise the increased voter turnout in the 2020 elections, our democracy did not work nearly as well as it should have for all. In communities like my own, Lawrence, Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant communities faced unnecessary barriers to the ballot box. Making public transit services, like the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, free on election day is one rapid, dramatic step the state can take to strengthen and expand our democracy.” “It is critical that the State Legislature pass the FARE Act as soon as possible,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “During last year’s election, cities across the Commonwealth saw low turnout among Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant communities. The fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed the greatest public health and financial burdens on these same communities only underscores the importance of addressing those inequities in Cambridge and throughout the state. In Cambridge, one of the ways we can increase voter turnout is by making MBTA subway and bus service free on election day.” "It is clear that there is much work left to be done in ensuring equitable access to the ballot box for our Black, Latino, and low-income communities," said Representative Chynah Tyler (D-Boston). "It continues to concern me that in my own district, parts of Roxbury saw voter turnout rates as low as 42% in the 2020 General Election. 42%. That’s 26% below Boston’s average turnout rate, and 34% below the state’s average turnout rate. Voters like these face unnecessary barriers to the ballot box such as the distance to and accessibility of polling places. Passing the FARE Act and making public transit free on election day is one powerful step that we can take to ensure that all voices are heard and to address this inequity by making voting more accessible and inclusive for all.” “By passing the FARE Act, the state would take a simple but powerful step to empower individuals and ease access to the polls,” said Isabel Gonzalez-Webster, Executive Director of Worcester Interfaith, a multi-issue, multi-racial community organization that works on neighborhood improvements, public safety, and education and youth. “Here in Worcester, hundreds, if not thousands, of people rely on WRTA bus service every single day. These riders, who are primarily Black, Latino, and/or low-income, depend on this service for their most basic needs, like commuting and grocery shopping. Making public transit free on election day would immediately aid these individuals, who have traditionally faced more barriers in getting to the polls than their white neighbors.” "Ballot access should not be a partisan issue. While we are witnessing more attacks on the right to vote across the country, we in Massachusetts must take every step possible to ensure voter access," said Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). "Free public transit on Election Day is just one policy that will improve voter turnout. I am proud to sponsor this legislation with Leader Moran and Representative Tyler, and glad to see the bipartisan, bicameral support this legislation has gained." The FARE Act would make bus, subway, and trolley service free for all state-wide primaries and elections. It would apply to the MBTA, as well as all of the state’s regional transit authorities. It was introduced as HD.2474 in the House of Representatives by Representatives Frank A. Moran and Chynah Tyler. In the Senate, it was introduced as SD.1557 by Senator Joe Boncore. Dozens of communities across the country, like Dallas, New Orleans, and Kansas City, provide free public transit on election day. Yet the largest by far to do so is Los Angeles County, which is home to more than 10 million residents and 5 million registered voters. Since 2018, LA County has provided free bus and subway service for all state-wide primaries and elections. After the policy was implemented, bus and subway ridership rose by 5% on election day, emphasizing the policy’s success. Massachusetts must follow suit and pass the FARE Act immediately. You can find the full list of FARE Act supporters on this webpage.

You may wonder, with the 2020 elections behind us, what does 2021 have in store when it comes to voting rights? Yes, municipal elections are taking place across the state, but there's another issue of equally great importance that will impact all Massachusetts residents. That issue is the redistricting process. Every 10 years, the state legislature uses census data to redraw legislative districts for both state and federal officials. This includes your state representative, who represents around 40,000 people, and your U.S. representative, who represents around 700,000 people. The state legislature works to ensure that every Massachusetts resident receives equal representation on Beacon Hill and in Washington, DC. But the redistricting process is about more than simply drawing districts: it's about drawing districts that ensure the electability of diverse candidates that actually look like their district, promoting equity in our political system. According to research commissioned by Lawyers for Civil Rights, at least five state House of Representative districts and one state Senate district have become majority-minority in the past 10 years. This brings the likely number of majority-minority districts in Massachusetts to 26 out of 200, with many more closing in on majority-minority status. It's essential that Massachusetts draw districts that empower Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant communities. Creating majority-minority districts is one way the state can do this. Yet we must advocate to make this possible. That's why we're proud to introduce you to a coalition that we have long been a part of: the Drawing Democracy Coalition. The Drawing Democracy Coalition is a collection of community organizations, civil rights lawyers, public policy advocates, data and mapping experts, and political scientists with the shared goal of ensuring the most equitable redistricting process possible. To do this, we aim to collaborate with legislators, speak at public hearings, and raise public awareness around the redistricting process. Right now, you can help us make this possible. Subscribe to Drawing Democracy's weekly newsletter, follow the coalition on Twitter, and like the coalition on Facebook. You can also learn everything there is to learn about redistricting and why it matters for our democracy here. Thank you, as always, for your support. When it comes to redistricting, we know that we can count on it once more. - All of us at MassVOTE

Five months ago, one of the most consequential elections in American history took place: the November 3, 2020 General Election. Amid a once-in-a-century pandemic, voters in Massachusetts and across the country turned out in record numbers. Communities that faced the greatest public health and financial harm from the COVID19 pandemic - Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant voters - worked tirelessly to have their voices heard at the polls. During a year of such tragedy, this moment of hope was deeply encouraging. Five months later, the country is still grappling with this election. Here in Massachusetts, we are working to build off of the momentum of 2020 by implementing broad, impactful reforms like the VOTES Act and the FARE Act. After seeing new reforms like vote by mail and expanded early voting thrive last year, advocates, legislators, and voters are eager to make them permanent. Though our democracy is far, far from perfect, we have much to be hopeful about. But 1,000 miles south in Georgia, democracy is in more dire straits. Last week, the state passed one of the most reactionary pieces of election legislation seen in decades. The law mandates that voters provide photo ID if they want to vote by mail. It also gives the state immense authority to remove and promote local election officials how it sees fit. Finally, the state has made it a crime to pass out food or drinks to those waiting in line to vote. When asked about his thoughts on the new law, President Biden kept his remarks concise and clear: "This is Jim Crow in the 21st Century. It must end." These events make one thing clear: democracy is never secure. We must always, always fight to ensure that voting remains as accessible and inclusive as possible. We must strive to empower those who go overlooked and underserved all too often, including Black and brown, low-income, and immigrant voters. Help us make this possible. Donate now, or sign up to volunteer with us. There's no time to waste. - All of us at MassVOTE

On Tuesday, March 16, eight people, including six women of Asian descent, were killed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. MassVOTE Executive Director Cheryl Clyburn Crawford issued the following statement in light of these heinous developments. “MassVOTE is sickened by what happened in Atlanta, and we stand in solidarity with all members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Make no mistake: what occurred in Atlanta was a hate crime targeted against the AAPI community. The fact that this attack occurred in such a purposeful, targeted manner makes that point impossible to ignore. “It is horrifying to believe that this attack is one of more than 3,800 that have occurred against the AAPI community since the COVID19 pandemic began. In Boston alone, anti-Asian hate crimes more than doubled from 2019 to 2020. That rate is up 150% nation-wide. “Yet this anti-AAPI sentiment is, tragically, nothing new in the history of our country. For well over 100 years, America has instituted hateful, harmful policies against the AAPI community. In 1882, for example, the country implemented the Chinese Exclusion Act, which suspended Chinese immigration for 10 years. The policy remained in place for more than 60 years. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which mandated the internment of any person, including US citizens, that were at least 1/16th Japanese. The policy impacted well over 100,000 people, virtually all of whom posed no threat whatsoever to the US. “What happened on March 16 – and what’s happened over the past 12 months – is a grave, grave reminder that our country’s racist past against the AAPI community is by no means in the past. Listening to elected officials refer to COVID19 as the “China Virus” or “Kung Flu” is but a further reminder of this point. “We must never accept this status quo. As advocates, it is our job to constantly challenge the status quo, especially when it so blatantly endangers the health and well-being of individual communities. And as democracy advocates specifically, it is our job to remind you why voting matters. “One way we may confront this is by ensuring that voters turn out in mass numbers to elect officials that truly challenge hatred and offer substantive policy reform. Voters must turn out for all elections, not just for the presidential every four years. They must elect city councilors, mayoral, state legislators, congressional representatives, and senators. They must consider all candidates who aim to have an impact on their daily lives. They must also, frustratingly, overcome far too many barriers that make voting difficult. “We must never forget the tragedy of March 16, and all of the anti-AAPI hate crimes that have occurred over the past year. Yet we must also recognize that, by educating and empowering individuals – providing them an outlet through which to have their voice heard in the ballot box – we move one step closer to eradicating this hate.” ### MassVOTE is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to voting rights, voter education, and social justice.

EXCERPT: Ian Kea, Policy Director for MassVOTE, said that Massachusetts is “being looked at continually as being the leader in modern-day elections. We are very much behind unfortunately but the city does have a good leadership role.” He said that it is up to the city to promote these ideas so that Boston can be helpful at the local and federal levels.

EXCERPT: Ian Kea, Communications and Advocacy Manager for Mass Vote, said his organization would support extending the council term, saying it would ultimately boost voter interest in council elections. Also, councilors could spend more time on their jobs, and less time campaigning. “For too long, and too often, we see public officials campaigning for half their time in office,” he said. He also said the city should host special elections for vacant at-large council seats so that voters can have a say. And he said candidates should not be able to run for two different offices. “Elected office is a respected privilege, and should be treated as such,” he said.

For immediate release: May 15, 2019 Contact: Ian Kea, MassVOTE 617-542-8683 The Election Modernization Coalition Hosts Legislative Briefing on Election Day Registration (EDR) BOSTON, MA – The Election Modernization hosted a legislative briefing on Wednesday May 15th on Election Day Registration, a policy used in nearly half the states nationwide. The EDR Legislation introduced by Rep. Jen Benson, Rep. Liz Malia and Sen. Cynthia Creem (H. 636, H. 685 & S. 396) would establish a system for voting eligible citizens that would allow them with proof of residency to register or fix errors in their current registration on Election Day and during the early voting period. Approximately 100,000 + eligible Massachusetts voters are turned away from the polls each election cycle due to an outdated 20 day registration cutoff or from being unable to change simple errors in their registration such as an apartment number or misspelling in their name. “We have embraced EDR for forty-six years. Maine voters, like voters in the Commonwealth, are patriots, and are jealous guardians of their sovereign right to self-governance through our democratic systems. It is our view in Maine that elections do not belong to election officials or to elected officials; elections belong to the people, and we are proud to have cast aside any bureaucratic barriers that bankrupt the voter of their rights without clear constitutional need to preserve the integrity of the election process,” says Matthew Dunlap, Maine Secretary of State. The legislation has enjoyed significant support from state leaders such as Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Attorney General Maura Healey. On the federal level the entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation has casted their support for HR1 which includes EDR. “Election Day registration is fundamental to the survival of our democratic functions. We must ensure that any eligible Massachusetts voter who comes out to vote has every ability to cast a ballot,” says Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, Executive Director of MassVOTE. "Implementing Election Day Registration in Massachusetts is a critical step to curbing deep structural barriers to the ballot box for voters of color in the Commonwealth," says Sophia Hall, Supervising Attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights. "When poll watching last November, we saw countless people turned away from the polls or issued provisional ballots because they moved recently. Election Day Registration will help thousands of voters cast their ballots, including young people moving to Massachusetts in search of opportunities and communities of color, working families, and low-income people displaced from their homes because of rising rents," says Beth Huang, Director of the Massachusetts Voter Table. “Our democracy is strongest when everyone has the ability to participate, to make their voices heard. However, given the stress of school, work, family, and myriad other commitments, many voters may first start to learn about an election after the registration window has already passed. As our neighbors in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont show, Election Day Registration is a sensible and proven next step in expanding voting rights,” says Jonathan Cohn, Issues Chair of Progressive Massachusetts. "20 states have already instituted Election Day registration. Massachusetts should not lag behind when it comes to the basics of democracy---access to voting. We look forward to catching up and enabling people to register to vote on Election Day," says Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MassPIRG. "The League of Women Voters strongly supports Election Day Registration to make it easier for citizens to participate in our democracy. At a time when states across the country are passing laws reducing access to the ballot box, it is important for Massachusetts to continue to lead in positive election reforms," said Mary Ann Ashton, President, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. "The Massachusetts legislature has passed many new laws to ensure a better experience for voters and remove artificial barriers to participation, such as Early Voting and Automatic Voter Registration. Election Day Registration would build on that record of success and ensure that no eligible voter is denied the ability to cast a ballot." says Pam Wilmot, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts. The Election Modernization Coalition is led by ACLU of Massachusetts, Common Cause Massachusetts, the League of Women Voters or Massachusetts, MASSPIRG, MassVOTE, the Massachusetts Voter Table, and Progressive Massachusetts.

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