Voting rights groups and Boston city officials gathered at City Hall Plaza to urge the Massachusetts legislature to adopt Same Day Voter Registration (SDR). The press conference was organized by MassVOTE, members of the Election Modernization Coalition, and other community advocates. Speakers at the event argued that existing barriers at polling places disproportionately affect Boston residents.
Boston made up 34% of all rejected provisional ballots in Massachusetts during the November 2024 election, despite only representing 9% of the state’s population. Advocates said this data demonstrates a need for legislative action to improve ballot access for Boston voters.
“Same-day voter registration strengthens our democracy. It uplifts residents who have long been marginalized from our processes. Twenty-three states already make this possible. It is smart and it is practical. Massachusetts would be wise to adopt this commonsense step to increase civic engagement and voter turnout,” said Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Council President.
The event featured leaders from Common Cause Massachusetts, MassVOTE, ACLU Massachusetts, and other organizations supporting expanded voting rights.
“Our voting rights coalition recognizes the need to empower people at the ballot box now more than ever,’” said Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. “That means finally removing barriers to voting with Same Day Registration.”
The timing of the event coincides with an upcoming public hearing on SDR legislation scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 1pm at the State House.
“Massachusetts needs Same Day Voter Registration so that all those who are eligible to vote are able to participate in our democracy,” said Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury). “I am proud to sponsor the House bill that would make this policy a reality, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the bill over the finish line this session.”
Advocates pointed out that without SDR, many voters—especially those from urban areas, renters, students, and communities of color—face obstacles due to current registration deadlines.
“Any barriers or red tape that impede the voting process do not help our condition as a community. Same Day Registration only increases voter participation, which in turn makes us a better city, state, and country,” said Royal Smith, President of the NAACP Boston Branch. “The NAACP Boston Branch is proud to stand in strong support of Same Day Registration, recognizing it as a vital tool to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.”
