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Bill > S2545


MA S2545

Fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security


summary

Introduced
09/30/2021
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

SENATE, Thursday, September 30, 2021 - The committee on Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security (Senate, No. 459),-- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2545).

AI Summary

This bill, titled "Fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security," makes several key changes to voter registration and voting processes in Massachusetts. The bill allows for same-day voter registration on the day of a primary or election, with provisions for providing proof of residence and making a sworn statement. It expands early voting by mail, requiring local election officials to mail applications for early voting ballots to all registered voters every two years. The bill also mandates early in-person voting periods before primaries and elections, with minimum weekend hours based on the size of the municipality. The bill streamlines the process for appointing election officers, allowing officials to appoint people without regard to party membership or inclusion on party committee lists. It also requires correctional facilities to assist incarcerated individuals in registering to vote and applying for mail ballots. Overall, the bill aims to expand voter access and engagement through measures like same-day registration, enhanced early voting, and support for incarcerated voters. Key provisions around proof of residency, party affiliation, and ballot security are included as well.

Sponsors (39)

John Barrett (D),  Mike Barrett (D),  Joseph Boncore (D),  Harriette Chandler (D),  Sonia Chang-Díaz (D),  Michelle Ciccolo (D),  Jo Comerford (D),  Cynthia Creem (D),  Brendan Crighton (D),  John Cronin (D),  Julian Cyr (D),  Sal DiDomenico (D),  Diana Dizoglio (D),  Carol Doherty (D),  Lori Ehrlich (D),  Jamie Eldridge (D),  Cindy Friedman (D),  Carmine Gentile (D),  Anne Gobi (D),  Adam Gómez (D),  Adam Hinds (D),  Vanna Howard (D),  Pat Jehlen (D),  Ed Kennedy (D),  Kay Khan (D),  David LeBoeuf (D),  Eric Lesser (D),  Jack Lewis (D),  Jason Lewis (D),  Joan Lovely (D),  Christina Minicucci (D),  Mike Moore (D),  Susan Moran (D),  Angelo Puppolo (D),  Becca Rausch (D),  Maria Robinson (D),  Adam Scanlon (D),  Tom Stanley (D),  Erika Uyterhoeven (D), 

Other Sponsors (1)

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

Last Action

Reprinted, as amended, see S2554 (on 10/06/2021)

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