House Passes Bill to Increase Efficiency of Massachusetts’ Election Process

Improves ease and access to voting

State Representative Paul Heroux joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation that establishes early voting for presidential elections and provides resources to local officials and residents to make the voting process more efficient.

Early voting for presidential elections will begin in 2016. It is expected to significantly decrease wait times on Election Day and allow more individuals to vote.  The bill also creates a secure online portal through which individuals can register and view their registration status. 

“This bill improves voting efficiency and helps give citizens across the Commonwealth a voice,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said. “Massachusetts has a rich history of civic involvement and I believe this legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring all individuals can participate in the voting process. No one should be denied a vote because of a hardship or responsibility. I thank Chairman Murphy for his comprehensive and forward-thinking work on such an important topic.”

“Massachusetts has always been a leader, both in terms of our government and its people,” said Representative James Murphy (D – Weymouth), Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. “This legislation will further encourage voter participation by allowing for online voter registration and early voting. This will alleviate long lines on Election Day as well as enable people to vote in this ever busy world.”

"This was an easy bill to pass that had bi-partisan support. There was some very thoughtful debate about the use of voter IDs for early voting. After hearing the arguments for and against early voter ID the House decided that this is essentially a non-issue in Massachusetts at this time. Few (less than 5) documented cases of convicted voter fraud in Massachusetts since 2000 were presented on the House Floor, rendering early voter ID a solution in search of a problem. The sentiment was that State Representatives trust the integrity and honesty of our fellow citizens", said Representative Paul Heroux (D-Attleboro). He added that "The fact that Republicans and Democrats all voted for this bill underscores the strength and importance of the bill as it stands."

Early voting will take place ten business days prior to presidential elections in accordance with regular business hours of the municipal office. Following the 2016 election, a task force will issue a report including information on costs, administrative requirements, voter turnout and the lines at polling places.

The online portal allows new applicants to register and existing voters to change their address, look up their polling place and confirm they are registered. The system will streamline the voter registration process and is expected to cut costs.

The bill passed the House 142-10.