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OUR HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2022 Helped ensure the passage of the VOTES Act, which made permanent reforms like mail-in voting, expanded early in-person voting, and jail-based voting reform. 2020 To brace our elections for COVID19, MassVOTE helped ensure the passage of "AN ACT RELATIVE TO VOTING OPTIONS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19" . This temporary policy introduced numerous unprecedented reforms, such as vote by mail, expanded in-person voting options, and an expanded voter registration window. 2016 - Successful implementation of Early Voting and Pre-registration 2014 - Election Reform Bill signed into law , bringing online voter registration, audits post-election of voting machines, pre-registration of 16 and 17-year-olds, and early voting to Massachusetts. - The SuperPAC Disclosure Bill becomes law, requiring SuperPACs to disclose their donors in a timely manner so voters know what interests are behind their spending. - The Bilingual Ballot Bill for Boston, signed into law, ensuring for Chinese and Vietnamese speaking citizens. - MassVOTE partners with The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights in hosting the National Commission on Voting Rights New England hearing to discuss Boston’s voting challenges. 2012 - Secretary of State Galvin posts downloadable, printable Voter Registration Forms , modernizing elections in Massachusetts (August). - The State House and the State Senate both passed resolutions calling on Congress to move an amendment to the Constitution to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling that corporations can spend unlimited money in elections (July). - Pre-registration bill passes in the House, paving the way for election modernization and young voter engagement in Massachusetts by allowing sixteen- and seventeen-year olds to pre-register to vote. However, the bill fails to make it to the floor of the Senate (May-July). - Boston City Council Unanimously Calls for an Amendment to Get Corporate Money Out Politics, Restore Democracy to the People (February). 2010 - National Popular Vote bill passes in Massachusetts. - MassVOTE brings nonprofits together to educate voters, coalition wins 2 major ballot fights for social services, affordable housing, protecting $1.5 billion in services. - MassVOTE helps non-profits and service agencies across the state reach out to their constituents to make sure they are counted in the 2010 Federal Census ensuring that communities have equal political representation and get the federal money they deserve. - Pre-registration for 16 and 17 year-olds is successfully voted out of the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Election Laws. 2008 - On November 4, Boston saw the highest turnout since the 1960s. MassVOTE held a huge Get Out the Vote and Election Protection efforts. - Election Day Registration is successfully passed of the State Senate, 33-5, before being stopped in the State House. - February’s Presidential Primary sees the highest turnout in two decades. - MassVOTE holds Eye on Democracy Video Contest, encouraging amateur filmmakers to document people’s voting experiences. - MassVOTE works with Suffolk University to develop a new poll worker training, and helps recruit young, people, bilingual people, and people of color to be poll workers. 2021 During the once-a-decade redistricting process, we worked with our allies in the Drawing Democracy Coalition to increase the number of BIPOC opportunity districts in the state House of Representatives from 20 to 33. We also helped increase the number of BIPOC opportunity districts in the state Senate from 3 to 6. 2018 MassVOTE helped pioneer the successful passage of Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). 2015 MassVOTE's advocacy helped lead to the implementation of online voter registration. 2013 - Convened Election Modernization Coalition of 45 community organizations. - Organized a Lobby Day at the State House with more than 100 participants speaking directly to their elected officials. - Successfully saw both Massachusetts Senators Warren and Markey sign on as co-sponsors to a bill proposing an Amendment to the Constitution to overturn the Citizens United decision. - MassVOTE hosts six community forums for the U.S. Senate, Mayor of Boston, and City Council seats. 2011 - State House agrees to unprecedented public participation in redistricting (January). - State Legislature passes new redistricting law, doubling districts where people of color have clout (December). - City of Boston passes Home Rule to fix district lines for voters (October). - Pressured by MassVOTE, Secretary of State clamps down on unfair challenges to Latino voters (April). - “Show ID to Vote” Initiative Petition ruled unconstitutional by Massachusetts Attorney General after MassVOTE action (September). - MassVOTE co-director Avi Green Appointed by Governor Patrick to Key State Committees to Protect Voting Rights. - MassVOTE co-director Avi Green Honored by Boston NAACP. 2009 - Veteran Voting Support Act passes, letting overseas service members send in scans of ballots via fax or email. - MassVOTE leads successful coalition to seat an interim US Senator for Massachusetts, vote proves pivotal. Pre History The roots of MassVOTE’s work can be traced to the fights for racial equality and voting rights that have been a part of American history for 200 years. More recently, MassVOTE’s work is connected to Boston’s difficult racial history, including the busing fights of the 1960s and 1970s, and to a tradition of progressive organizing in Massachusetts led by Mass Fair Share in the 1980s and by the Commonwealth Coalition and Mass Voters for Clean Elections in the 1990s.

FAIR ELECTIONS AGENDA FOR OVER A DECADE, MASSVOTE HAS BEEN WORKING TO ADVANCE VOTER PARTICIPATION AND FAIR ELECTIONS THROUGH ITS LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY, VOTER ACTIVATION, AND EDUCATION WORK. CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, ACCESS AND FAIRNESS ARE ADVANCED THROUGH ELECTIONS LEGISLATION AND PROCESSES' PROTECT AND PROVIDE THE IDEAL OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE, VOTE AND INCLUDE THEIR VOICE IN OUR SOCIAL-POLITICAL FUTURE. SUPPORT, EDUCATE AND FOSTER A CULTURE OF ACTIVE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

Voter Registration Forms ENGLISH SPANISH PORTUGESE MANDARIN VIATNAMESE CAPE VERDEAN RUSSIAN

Meet your District 3 City Council Candidates: Get to know them and ask your important questions. Learn about their visions and priorities. Prepare to vote with confidence.

ABOUT US MassVOTE is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of active political participation by providing the Massachusetts community with the tools, training, and support necessary to engage in the democratic process. Our work focuses on voter registration, education, and advocacy for electoral justice, aiming to increase voter turnout and ensure fair elections. At the heart of our mission is our robust voter education program, which seeks to inform citizens about their voting rights, the electoral process, and the impact of public policy decisions on their daily lives. This education is crucial for empowering residents, particularly in underserved and historically disenfranchised communities, to become active participants in shaping their government. By demystifying the voting process and clarifying the significance of each vote, we help to foster a more informed, engaged, and representative electorate. Our initiatives not only support individuals in making educated decisions at the polls but also contribute to a more vibrant and responsive political landscape in our community. This ongoing commitment to education and empowerment makes MassVOTE a valuable and additive presence in the local community, enhancing civic engagement and strengthening democratic participation.

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STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY Your membership protects voting rights and strengthens civic participation across Massachusetts. JOIN THE MOVEMENT What Your Support Makes Possible Civic Education & Outreach Workshops, materials, and community events that equip residents with the information they need to participate confidently. Young Civic Leaders (YCL) A statewide leadership program helping high school students become informed advocates and organizers. Policy & Advocacy Coalition work and legislative action that advance fair elections, transparency, and equitable access. Community Mobilization Efforts that bring neighbors together around ballot questions, local elections, and civic opportunities. Become a Sustainer Monthly giving is the most effective way to support MassVOTE. Your recurring contribution helps us: Plan ahead with confidence Reach more voters in Black, Brown, immigrant, and low-income communities Respond quickly to urgent threats to voting rights Strengthen long-term civic engagement across the state

The Votes Act The Voting ACCESS Act will make 2020 election reforms that worked for voters permanent, and more to build equitable, accessible, and secure elections. Read more about the bill below: Download The Votes Act Fact Sheet Read more about the VOTING ACCESS Act Here Re-Precinct Boston 1 SAME DAY REGISTRATION No eligible voter should be turned away at the polls due to an error in or out-of-date voter registration. Same Day Voter Registration allows all eligible voters to register or update their registration in-person on Election Day or early voting days. Filed as HD. 2537 - Rep Carmine Gentile Decoupling voter registration from municipal census 2 Not responding to the municipal census should no longer result in being dropped from the voting register. This change will maintain the municipal census for data collection and jury selections but no longer to change a voter's status. Instead, voters' names will go on the inactive list if information that they have moved from the city or town is received from the U.S. Postal Service's national change of address program, from the multistage Electronic Registration Information Center, or from official notice by another jurisdiction. Voters' names will then continue to be removed from the inactive list if they fail to vote (or take other voting-related action) after two federal general elections. Filed as HD.3498 - Rep Frank Moran 3 Uniform mail and absentee voting forms & Ballots The VOTES Act enshrined permanent no-excuse vote by mail while leaving in place the existing absentee voting system. As a result of the Lyons V. Secretary of Commonwealth decision in 2022, the legislature has plenary authority to align those systems. An easier fix is to enshrine in statute the ability for election administrators to use the same form and ballots for both no-excuse vote by mail and absentee voting. This quick fix will make voting by mail or absentee voting seamless, reduce confusion for the public and local election officials, and reduce workload and costs for election materials. Filed as HD. 3437 - Rep Shirley Arriaga Strengthening accessible polling location oversight 4 Requires the Secretary to arrange inspection of all polling places and early voting sites at least once every four years, to ensure compliance with federal and state disability accessibility laws. Cities and towns not in compliance must take immediate action to comply and file a compliance plan, and the Attorney General can enforce compliance in court. Filed as HD.3551 - Rep Kay Khan

Apply to be a Young Civic Writer at MassVOTE. Young Civic Writers Initiative We Need You to Create Content for the Governor's Council Directory! Are you a high school student passionate about making a difference? Do you want to learn more about the political process and have your voice heard? MassVOTE is looking for motivated students like you to help create content for a comprehensive directory of the Massachusetts Governor's Council. Why Does the Governor's Council Matter? The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, plays a crucial role in our state government. Composed of eight elected individuals and the Lieutenant Governor, this council meets weekly to make important decisions that impact our community. They provide advice and consent on: Warrants for the state treasury Pardons and commutations Gubernatorial appointments such as judges, clerk-magistrates, public administrators, and members of various boards Understanding the work of the Governor's Council helps you see how state government functions and the importance of civic participation. By getting involved, you can help inform your peers and community about these significant processes and the people behind them. What You'll Do: Research: Dive deep into the roles and responsibilities of the Governor's Councillors. Create: Develop engaging and informative content for our online directory. Learn: Gain insights into the Massachusetts political landscape. Collaborate: Work with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. What's In It for You: Experience: Hands-on experience in research, writing, and content creation. Education: An understanding of state government operations. Community: Be part of a team dedicated to civic engagement and education. Impact: Contribute to a project that informs and empowers voters across Massachusetts. How to Get Involved: Who Can Apply: Young people ages 14-21 with an interest in politics, writing, or community service. Commitment: Flexible hours to fit your schedule. Available for all program dates and committed to participating actively. Location: Work remotely or join us at our Boston office. How to Apply: Submit your application by June 30 with: A brief essay (300 words) on why you’re interested and what you hope to gain. Make a real impact this summer! Apply below or contact info@massvote.org for more info. Tell us more about you. First Name Last Name Birthday * required Phone Email Select an Address High School Grade Parent First Name Parent Last Name Parent Phone Number Parent Email Essay Send Thanks for submitting!

OUR BOARD of DIRECTORS George Pillsbury, Chair Professor Rachael Cobb Nikolas Bowie Stephanie Soriano Carmen Hicks-Ayele Shaikh Hasib

PRIORITY LEGISLATION MassVOTE'S Priority Legislation is a reflection of its commitment to historically disenfranchised communities. The following priorities aid in ensuring an easier and more equitable path to involvement in our participatory democracy. The VOTING Access Act

Voter Registration Drive Request MassVOTE is happy to schedule voter registration drives in your community! Either in-person or virtually, we're more than willing to accommodate your needs. Do you have an event where you would like voter registration materials and volunteers? Fill out the form below! If you have any questions, please contact us at info@massvote.org . Submit

Archives Check out MassVOTE's work throughout the years, including publications, candidate forums, educational materials, and more! 2022 Second Suffolk State Senate Candidate Forum (August) Local Elections Report (February) 2021 MassVOTE's 2021 Champions of Democracy Fundraising Event 19th Suffolk State Representative Special Election Candidate Forum 2020 MassVOTE Candidate Forums Create the Vote 2020 MassVOTE Dinner Table: I'm Not Voting (October 2020 Recording) MassArt VOTES presents: Move and Mobilize a virtual night of music, socializing, and voter mobilization. (September 2020 Recording) 2019 2019 Municipal Election Resources 2018 Question 1 - 2018 Ballot Guide (October Recording) Question 2 - 2018 Ballot Guide (October Recording) Question 3 - 2018 Ballot Guide (October Recording)

The Importance of Voting Voting is crucial for a healthy democracy in the United States, but unfortunately, not enough American people participate vote. This leads to gaps in representation and widening wealth disparities. Imagine how different America would be if everyone participated in the democratic process. One major reason for low voter turnout is lack of information and outreach, especially in historically disadvantaged communities. However, we can make a difference by encouraging civic participation and educating families about the importance of voting. Threats to Voting At the National Level: ID Requirements: States such as GA, IN, KS, MS, TN, VA, and WI mandate photo identification for voting. Meanwhile, AZ, ND, and OH have strict ID requirements that may not necessitate a photo. ID Requirements (Broader): In AK, AL, FL, HI, ID, LA, MI, RI, SD, TX, CO, CT, DE, IA, KY, MO, MT, NH, NC, OK, SC, UT, WA, and WV, voters are required to present some form of ID at the polls. Election Day Registration: While 21 states and D.C. offer same-day registration, states like MA impose early registration cutoffs, disenfranchising many potential voters. Voter Purges: Significant voter list purges have occurred, with over 10% of registrations removed in Georgia and North Carolina between 2016 and 2018, and more than 7% in Florida. Alabama saw 658,000 voters purged since 2015, a substantial number given its 3.3 million registered voters in 2016. Impact on Students: In states like New Hampshire, Texas, Florida, and Michigan, election policies have made it particularly challenging for young voters, including students, to participate in elections. Find out more about voting protections and issues at the national level at Brennan Center for Justice . Voting Resources for Massachusetts Residents EXPLORE this historic race here. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth - Elections Division : The official website of the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth offers comprehensive information on elections, voter registration, polling places, and more. Massachusetts Voter Information : This website provides information on voter registration, absentee voting, early voting, polling place locations, and election results. Massachusetts Voter Registration Information : This site allows you to check your voter registration status, update your registration, and find information on absentee and early voting. VoteSmart Massachusetts : VoteSmart offers a range of voter resources including candidate profiles, voting records, election information, and more. Ballotpedia - Massachusetts: Ballotpedia provides information on elections, candidates, ballot measures, and more at the state and local levels in Massachusetts Stay up to date on Massachusetts voting and election news and updates. MA Elections Updates Massachusetts College Voter Guide Massachusetts Ballot Questions National Voting Resources Find your election office website from USA.gov. Find Gubernatorial elections from the National Governor's Association. Find Mayoral elections from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Presidential Voting Guide VOTE411.ORG Read the Report: February election rumors: noncitizen voting and voting machine vulnerabilities Findings from a February 2024 report with data on messaging to counter election rumors. Start Reading STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY Your monthly support protects voting rights and strengthens civic participation across Massachusetts. Learn more ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

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