Showing posts with label vote by mail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vote by mail. Show all posts

Friday, September 16, 2022

The State Election 2022 Red Book is coming to your postal mailbox

The Secretary of the Commonwealth has announced:
"Check your mailbox for the red Information for Voters book, which has information on 2022 ballot questions. Books are being delivered to all households this month.

Note: There will be 4 statewide questions on the November ballot. 

Questions 1-3 are included in the printed Information for Voters book. Question 4 was submitted too late to be included, but you can find it in the online version at http://VoteInMA.com."





The Red Book is coming to your postal mailbox
The Red Book is coming to your postal mailbox

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

CommonWealth Magazine: "Half of primary ballots cast before Election Day"

"ELECTION DAY may be a misnomer. 

State primary turnout figures make clear a new reality, with important implications for campaign strategies: Election Day is actually election season. For the second time in as many election cycles, fewer than half of ballots were cast on Election Day itself. More were cast early, either in person or, primarily, by mail. " 
Continue reading the article in CommonWealth Magazine

voting booths at Franklin High School
voting booths at Franklin High School



% by Mail% Early Vote% Day ofTotal Ballots
Democrat52.0%4.7%43.2%777,819
Republican27.4%4.2%68.3%276,158

Thursday, September 1, 2022

"The decision also dismisses several other claims the Republicans made"

"THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT on Tuesday dismissed the major constitutional challenge that has been levied against the new state law allowing voting by mail, formally addressing a legal question that has been hovering over attempts to expand the law for years. The court found that the Constitution, which lays out specific reasons why someone may vote absentee, does not prohibit the Legislature from expanding voting access beyond that. 

“Voting is a fundamental right, and nothing in [the Constitution] prohibits the Legislature, which has plenary constitutional powers, including broad powers to regulate the process of elections and even broader powers with respect to primaries, from enhancing voting opportunities,” Justice Scott Kafker wrote in a 61-page unanimous opinion. 

In June, the Legislature passed, and Gov. Charlie Baker signed, a law that authorizes early voting by mail for any voter without an excuse in all state elections, starting this year. Early voting by mail was first authorized as an emergency measure in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and voting rights advocates pointed to high turnout in the 2020 elections in urging lawmakers to adopt voting by mail permanently. But the Massachusetts Republican Party and other opponents worried that mail-in voting would be less secure and raised a host of other concerns."

Continue reading the article in CommonWealth Magazine 

You can read the full SJC decision online ->  https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2022/08/30/h13307.pdf


"The decision also dismisses several other claims the Republicans made"
"The decision also dismisses several other claims the Republicans made"

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Franklin State Primary voters: If you have a vote by mail ballot, drop it at the Municipal Building dropbox

"Have a mail-in ballot sitting on your kitchen table or tacked up on your refrigerator?

Massachusetts Secretary of State William F. Galvin advises that you fill it out and take it to a secure drop box, early voting site, or your local city or town hall before 8 p.m. on Sept. 6 if you want it to be counted for the state primary election.

Because of the Labor Day holiday and possible delays on the part of the Postal Service, Galvin said it’s safer to hand-deliver the ballot, as opposed to dropping it in the mail."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)
 
Franklin has a new option for your mail ballot. The key one being to drop it at the Municipal Building where a new dropbox has been installed in the Town Clerk's office.

If you have a vote by mail ballot, drop it at the Municipal Building dropbox
If you have a vote by mail ballot, drop it at the Municipal Building dropbox

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Town of Franklin early voting schedule for the September State Primary

The State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 6am-8pm at Franklin High School Gymnasium. 

In person early voting will take place August 27 - September 2 at the Franklin High School Gymnasium (218 Oak Street) or Franklin Municipal Building (355 East Central Street). 

The Franklin High School in person early voting dates are as follows...
  • August 27 9am-3pm
  • August 29 9am-3pm
  • August 30 9am-3pm 
  • August 31 9am-5pm
  • September 1 9am-3pm
  • September 2 8am-12pm
You may also vote early in person at the Franklin Municipal Building Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm and Friday from 8am-1pm, now until September 2nd, 2022.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks about the State primary in this audio segment

And in this audio segment, about the overall election process 

Town of Franklin early voting schedule for the September State Primary
Town of Franklin early voting schedule for the September State Primary


Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk regarding Early In Person Voting

The State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 6 AM - 8 PM at Franklin High School Gymnasium. In person early voting will take place August 27 - September 2 at the Franklin High School Gymnasium (218 Oak Street) or Franklin Municipal Building (355 East Central Street). 

The Franklin High School in person early voting dates are as follows...

August 27 9am-3pm

 August 29 9am-3pm

August 30 9am-3pm 

August 31 9am-5pm

September 1 9am-3pm

September 2 8am-12pm

You may also vote early in person at the Franklin Municipal Building Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm and Friday from 8am-1pm, now until September 2nd, 2022.


Shared from Town of Franklin Town Clerk ->
 
Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk regarding Early In Person Voting

 

Friday, August 5, 2022

Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk talks about the Election Process - 08/03/22 (audio)

FM #834 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 834 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello. We met in the Town Clerk office in the Franklin Municipal Building to discuss the overall election process. The overall process is functionally the same for the State Primary and for the regular November election. The cutoff dates, the early voting dates, and the election dates will change but the process remains basically the same. 


We cover the following key topics

  • Vote by mail and early voting now permanent per State legislation

  • “Independent” voters need to check the box for which primary ballot they want (Democrat or Republican, don’t need to make that choice for the November election)

  • If you are registered with a party and you want the other party's primary ballot, checking the box is not sufficient. You need to submit a “part change form” to get the other party ballot. 

  • Vote by mail process walked through, similar to in person voting whether early or day of

  • Validation of machine tallies to be scheduled

  • Only the total of voters casting ballots are tallied each day of early voting

  • Early and absentee ballots to be process during the Primary day

  • Vote totals at the close Primary Day will be “unofficial” until certified within the next 3 days to become official vote results


The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.


Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in to my conversation with Nancy. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-834-franklin-ma-town-clerk-on-the-election-process-08-03-22



--------------


Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Register to vote ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/ 


State Primary early voting schedule  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/state_primary_early_voting_schedule.pdf 

  

Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 


-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk
Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk 

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Multiple updates discussed with Town Clerk Nancy Danello in advance of the Sep 6 State Primary -07/26/22 (audio)

FM #833 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 833 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Dyan Fitzgerald, Deputy Town Clerk. We met in the Town Clerk office in the Franklin Municipal Building to discuss the preparation for the State Primary election scheduled for Sep 6, 2022.


We cover the following key topics

  • Vote by mail and early voting now permanent per State legislation

  • Town Council required to approve the schedule and police detail before each election

  • Secretary of the Commonwealth mailed vote by mail cards to registered voters

  • “Independent” voters need to check the box for which primary ballot they want (Democrat or Republican, don’t need to make that choice for the November election)

  • Early voting schedule being approved by Secretary of the Commonwealth 

    • in Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours

    • Effectively one week before the Sep 6 primary at FHS

  • Absentee ballot applications available now

  • State Primary Day - Sep 6, 2022


The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.


Our conversation runs about 14 minutes, so let’s listen in to my conversation with Nancy and Dyan. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-833-town-clerk-updates-on-the-state-primary-election-sep-2022-07-26-22



--------------


Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Register to vote ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/ 


Sample ballots for Sep 6 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/state-primary-9-6-2022-sample-ballots


In person early voting schedule for State Primary -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/state_primary_early_voting_schedule.pdf


9 precincts for Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_precinct_map.pdf

  

New vote by mail drop off box at Municipal Building ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/new-vote-mail-drop-box

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


new vote by mail drop off box at the Municipal Building
new vote by mail drop off box at the Municipal Building

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

"No major problems with ballot drop boxes in 2020, AP finds"

"The expanded use of drop boxes for mailed ballots during the 2020 election did not lead to any widespread problems, according to an Associated Press survey of state election officials across the US that revealed no cases of fraud, vandalism or theft that could have affected the results.

The findings from both Republican- and Democratic-controlled states run contrary to claims made by former President Donald Trump and his allies who have intensely criticized their use and falsely claimed they were a target for fraud.

Drop boxes are considered by many election officials to be safe and secure, and have been used to varying degrees by states across the political spectrum. Yet conspiracy theories and efforts by Republicans to eliminate or restrict them since the 2020 election persist. This month, the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled that drop boxes are not allowed under state law and can no longer be widely used."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

A voter submits a ballot in an official drop box during early voting in Athens, Ga., on Oct. 19, 2020.JOHN BAZEMORE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
A voter submits a ballot in an official drop box during early voting in Athens, Ga., on Oct. 19, 2020.JOHN BAZEMORE/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

“We were confident all along that this attempt to block the VOTES Act was meritless”

"THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT will uphold the VOTES Act, the new law that allows Massachusetts residents to vote early by mail for any reason. 

The court on Monday announced that it will reject a challenge by a group of Massachusetts Republican Party leaders and side entirely with Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin to keep the law intact for the 2022 election cycle. "

Continue reading the article in CommonWealth Magazine ->    https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/sjc-upholds-no-excuse-voting-by-mail/


Secretary of State William Galvin addresses reporters after word that the Supreme Judicial Court has dismissed a Republican challenge to the state's new law allowing voting by mail for any reason. "The presses are now rolling," Galvin said about the printing of ballot applications. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)
Secretary of State William Galvin addresses reporters after word that the Supreme Judicial Court has dismissed a Republican challenge to the state's new law allowing voting by mail for any reason. "The presses are now rolling," Galvin said about the printing of ballot applications. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)

Thursday, June 23, 2022

MA News Recap: Some State lawmakers object to MCAS proposal; SJC approves language for "fair share"; Votes Act signed

Mass. legislators urge state education leaders not to raise MCAS graduation requirements 
"Nearly 100 Massachusetts lawmakers sent a letter to state education leaders on Tuesday opposing raising state standardized test scores needed for students to graduate high school.

The letter highlights concerns from legislators about consequences they believe a state proposal made in April to raise the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, graduation requirements could have, particularly among students who have been “disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education members said in April they want to ensure students who receive a diploma meet the state’s expectations on a new version of the MCAS test. They also want to push schools to better support those students who struggle to pass the MCAS who disproportionately are from low-income households, students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required) ->


Mass. high court rules ‘millionaires tax’ question was written ‘fairly.’ It goes before voters in November.
"The state’s highest court on Wednesday rejected a challenge from business leaders to rewrite the summary of a ballot measure that would raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents, handing a victory to labor unions, Democratic lawmakers, and others who’ve spent years pushing the measure to a November vote.

In an unanimous decision, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Attorney General Maura Healey’s office “fairly” described the thrust of the so-called millionaires tax proposal in both a summary it’s required to prepare for voters and one-sentence statements outlining what a “yes” or “no” vote would do.

The proposal, dubbed the Fair Share Amendment by its proponents, would amend the state Constitution to create a 9 percent income tax rate on annual earnings above $1 million, while retaining the broad 5 percent rate for earnings below that amount."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required) ->

Bucking party, Baker makes vote-by-mail permanent
"DESPITE CONCERNS by members of his own party, Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, signed a law Wednesday making voting by mail permanent.  

Massachusetts allowed early voting by mail for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Democrats and voting rights activists have been pushing to make the reforms permanent in order to increase voter turnout.  

The new law will permanently allow voting by mail for any state or presidential primary or general election. It shortens the voter registration window to 10 days, although it does not allow for same-day voter registration, as some advocates had hoped.  "
Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

MA News Recap
MA News Recap

Friday, June 17, 2022

S. 2924 "An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security" on Gov Baker's desk

"The House today passed a compromise election reform bill that was approved by the Senate last week and has now been sent to the governor for his consideration.

The bill (S. 2924) would make many pandemic-related election changes permanent, expanding some voting opportunities in time for the next statewide election in September. The bill does not include same-day voter registration, a sticking point between the House and Senate in earlier versions of the bills.

The compromise bill would change the voter registration deadline from 20 days before an election to 10 days.

The bill would also allow mail-in ballots for presidential, state and municipal elections, while allowing municipalities to opt out of mail-in voting for elections that are not held on the same day as a state or federal election. Municipalities could, however, allow in-person early voting for those elections if desired."
Continue reading the article on the MMA page

The legislation is not yet visible in the Governor's "On the Desk" page but should be shortly  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/on-the-governors-desk

The text of the legislation itself as amended and approved by both Senate and House   https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2924

The legislation downloaded as a  PDF can also be found here

S. 2924 "An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security" on Gov Baker's desk
S. 2924 "An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security" on Gov Baker's desk

Friday, January 28, 2022

CommonWealth Magazine: "House stands firm against same-day voter registration"

"THE STATE’S MOSTLY  successful experiment with voting-by-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic would become a permanent option for voters in future elections, but House lawmakers on Thursday passed a major voting access bill that omitted voter registration rule changes sought by advocates and the Senate.

The House voted 124-34 to pass a new version of the VOTES Act that establishes rules for voting-by-mail in all future state and presidential elections and expands early in-person voting opportunities.

Those voting reforms were deployed during the pandemic to try to keep people safe from the virus, and led to record turnout in the 2020 elections, though MassGOP Chairman Jim Lyons on Thursday called it “an invitation for fraud” that would make it “easier to cheat.”

Assistant Majority Leader Michael Moran said that if signed into law the House version of the VOTES Act would put Massachusetts “head and shoulders above every other state” in terms of voting access. The Senate passed a similar bill in October, and the two branches must now negotiate a final bill."

Continue reading the article online

Find the House legislation language and votes here ->    https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4359

The Senate version can be found here -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2554

CommonWealth Magazine: "House stands firm against same-day voter registration"
CommonWealth Magazine: "House stands firm against same-day voter registration"


Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Vote today for Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Planning Board, School Committee, Town Clerk and Town Council candidates

The election season ends today with the in-person voting for all Franklin precincts at Franklin High School. Pools open at 6 AM and will close at 8 PM.

It is anticipated that about an hour after the polls close the results should be ready. Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm or 102.9) will be prepared to broadcast from the gym when they are ready.

Less than 1,000 voters had cast their ballots as of close of business at the Town Clerk's office on Friday, Oct 29, 2021. This combined the early vote, vote by mail and absentee ballots. Early voting was also available on Monday, Nov 1 during office hours.

How many will turnout?

History shows that for "Franklin elections" we get about a 20% turnout. I would have expected move votes cast by now given the accessibility of early voting and vote by mail. We'll see how many go through the doors at Franklin High School.

The chart below summaries the vote totals by election type from 2003 through 2020. The PDF contains the current registered voter totals by precinct.

vote totals by election type from 2003 through 2020
vote totals by election type from 2003 through 2020

PDF of the voter turnout table shown:

PDF of the registered voters by precinct:

If you still need to decide who to vote for, the information collected can be found here

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office

Franklin Voters,

Ballots arrived on October 7th in the Town Clerk's Office.  My office has begun the process of mailing out ballots to all voters who have requested an Absentee/Vote by Mail ballot.

In person early voting will begin on (Tuesday) October 12th during regular office hours at the Municipal Building in the Clerk's Office:
  • Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, 8-4  
  • Wednesday 8-6  
  • Friday 8-1 

For your convenience we will also be open on October 23 and 24th from 10:00AM to 1:00 PM.  

If you cannot make it to in person voting please call or email my office for a Vote by Mail application.  

Please feel free to reach out to me at ndanello@franklinma.gov or 508-520-4900 with any questions.

Nancy Danello, CMC
Town Clerk


Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office
Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office


Thursday, October 7, 2021

MA Senate Passes Landmark Voting Reform Legislation


 

 Senate Passes Landmark Voting Reform Legislation

Bill makes vote-by-mail permanent, expands early voting options, implements same-day voter registration, and ushers in other groundbreaking election reforms   

Today (10/06/21) , the Massachusetts State Senate passed S.2545, An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security (the VOTES Act). This comprehensive voting reform bill permanently codifies the popular mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020. The bill would also enact same-day voter registration, increase ballot access for service members serving overseas, and make a series of other improvements to the Commonwealth's election administration process. 

"I am incredibly proud of the Senate's work on the VOTES Act, which will not only protect but expand voting access in the Commonwealth," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The provisions contained within this bill, including same-day voter registration, early voting, and permanent vote-by-mail will make it much easier to vote in Massachusetts—which is especially important for those individuals and communities that have struggled to vote or who have been disenfranchised in the past. I am excited to see this bill signed into law so that all of our citizens will have expanded access to voting, our most sacred right as Americans. I'd like to thank Senate Majority Leader Creem, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, Election Laws Committee Chair Finegold and all of the voting rights advocates for their incredible work on this bill."

"Our democracy works best when we empower all eligible citizens to vote," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D. Newton). "The VOTES Act makes it easier than ever for Massachusetts residents to register and cast a ballot, while also ensuring that we maintain an efficient and secure election process. During a moment when voting rights are under threat across the country, I'm proud that the Senate has voted to expand access to the ballot box."

"After thoughtful debate on the floor of the Senate, I am thrilled that we have passed this landmark legislation to make voting more accessible than ever for all citizens of Massachusetts," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. "I am proud of the collective effort of this body to improve the bill through the amendment process to ensure safe and secure access to the ballot box. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership, Senators Creem and Finegold for their persistent advocacy and commitment to this issue, and to all my Senate colleagues for engaging in a process that has further strengthened the right to vote in the Commonwealth."

"This landmark election reform bill will empower voters and strengthen our democracy," said Senator Barry Finegold (D - Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. "People have fought and died for the right to vote. Such a hard-earned right is sacred, and we must protect it. It is now time to build on the progress we have already made and enact long-lasting voting reforms. The Senate's proposed legislation will move our election system into the modern era and help make sure that every voter can exercise their fundamental right to vote. The votes and the voices of the people of Massachusetts matter. Let's make them heard."

Responding to trends in voting and building off previous actions taken by the Legislature, the VOTES Act contains the following key provisions: 

Same-Day Voter Registration

  • Individuals would be able to register to vote during early voting periods or on the day of a primary or election. 
  • Twenty other states and the District of Columbia already use same-day registration. 

Early Voting In-Person 

  • The bill would require two weeks (including two weekends) of early voting in-person for biennial state elections and any municipal elections held on the same day. 
  • The bill would require one week (including one weekend) of early voting in-person for a presidential or state primary and any municipal elections held on the same day.
  • The bill would allow municipalities to opt-in to early voting in-person for any municipal election not held concurrently with another election. 

Permanent No-Excuse Mail-In Voting 

  • The bill would require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to send out mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters on July 15 of every even-numbered year; the Secretary of the Commonwealth would have the option to include these applications as part of mailings already required to be sent by the Secretary.
  • As in 2020, postage would be guaranteed for mail-in ballot applications and ballots. 
  • As in 2020, mail-in ballots would be accepted for a biennial state election if mailed on or by election day and received by 5PM on the third day after the election. 

Additional Flexibility For Local Officials

  • The bill would give municipalities the option to set up secure drop boxes for mail-in ballots. 
  • The bill would allow election officials to pre-process mail-in and early voting ballots in advance of Election Day.
  • The bill would give municipalities discretion as to the use of a check-out list at a polling location. 

Accommodations For People With Disabilities

  • The bill would allow a voter with disabilities to request accommodations from the Secretary of the Commonwealth to vote by mail for state elections.
  • Accommodations would include: electronic and accessible instructions, ballot application, ballot, and a voter affidavit that can be submitted electronically.

Jail-Based Voting Reforms 

  • The bill would help ensure that individuals who are incarcerated who are currently eligible to vote are provided with voting information and materials to exercise their right to vote in every state primary and election. 
  • The bill would require correctional facilities to display and distribute information about voting rights and procedures, as prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
  • The bill would require facilities to assist individuals who are incarcerated in registering, applying for and returning mail ballots.
  • Through inclusion of an amendment, the bill would ensure that individuals who are incarcerated are properly notified of their right to vote upon release and given the opportunity fill out a voter registration form

Joining the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) 

  • The bill would require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to enter into an agreement with ERIC no later than July 1, 2022. 
  • Thirty other states have already joined ERIC, which helps states keep more accurate voting rolls.

The Senate also unanimously approved an amendment to the VOTES Act targeting vote-by-mail ballot access by U.S. service members residing overseas and allowing for them to cast their vote electronically. 

The bill, through inclusion of an amendment, would also instruct the Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign to highlight the new voting and registration options.

Today's vote follows previous action by the Legislature to temporarily extend vote-by-mail and early voting options through December 15, 2021. 

The VOTES Act now advances on to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Link to legislative document -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2545