Bill > H697

This bill establishes a special commission, including members of the state legislature, to investigate ways of increasing voter turnout in Massachusetts. The commission will study the quantifiable effects of various methods to increase voter turnout, such as implementing a statewide voting holiday, offering a cash prize lottery for voting, providing a tax credit for voting, and allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to access the ballot. The commission will also analyze the differences in policy preferences between voters and non-voters and quantify the potential impact of increased voter turnout on policy outcomes. The commission will make recommendations on the best practices for implementing the election laws that have the strongest outcomes and feasibility, and submit its report and findings to the relevant legislative committees within 12 months of the bill's passage.