Bill > H860

This bill proposes two key changes to Massachusetts election laws regarding vote by mail and early voting. First, it requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to create a mechanism that allows voters to opt out of receiving vote by mail mailers, which would give residents more control over their election communications. Second, the bill introduces a provision that allows mayors of cities or select boards of towns to reduce or eliminate early voting options if 25% or more of votes in their municipality were cast by mail in the previous state election. This means that municipalities with high vote-by-mail participation could potentially scale back early voting locations or hours, potentially streamlining election administration and potentially reducing costs associated with maintaining multiple voting methods. The bill appears to be aimed at providing local jurisdictions with more flexibility in managing voting options based on recent voter participation patterns.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H860