Bay State News

On May 23, 2024, the Massachusetts Senate passed an amendment aimed at making voting more accessible by ending the penalty for voters who do not return the municipal census. Senator Cindy Creem’s “Improving Voting Access” amendment is expected to be included in the final Senate budget and will be negotiated by House and Senate conferees. A similar amendment had received support from 81 cosponsors in the House but was not included in its budget.

Currently, voters who do not respond to the annual municipal census are placed on an inactive voter list and must provide proof of residency to vote. Massachusetts is one of the few states with such a penalty. The newly passed amendment seeks to end this practice while maintaining clean voter rolls through other means.

“Thanks to Sen. Creem and members of the Senate, the Senate budget seeks to make voting more accessible in the Bay State,” said Geoff Foster, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “Our coalition looks forward to working with the budget conference committee to get these reforms signed into law.”

Barbara L’Italien, executive director of the Disability Law Center, stated: “Sincere thanks to the Senate, particularly Sen. Creem, for working to increase voter participation by removing barriers to voting through stopping the practice of unnecessary removals of active voters based on their failure to return the census postcard.”

Traci Griffith, Racial Justice program director at ACLU of Massachusetts, commented: “We thank Sen. Creem and members of the Senate for their work to increase access to the ballot in Massachusetts and look forward to working with the legislature to advance these reforms... It’s essential that we end disenfranchisement of voters who don’t return the municipal census – a legacy of 19th-century poll taxes.”

Pattye Comfort, Executive Director of League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, added: “The League applauds... Senator Creem in their efforts... This reform removes that penalty.”

Shanique Rodriguez, Executive Director of Massachusetts Voter Table said: “We are grateful... Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy... In Massachusetts, we must lead in ensuring that...the right to vote is equally accessible for everyone.”

Janet Domenitz from MASSPIRG noted: “Taking down barriers to voting is a win for everyone... We look forward to these reforms getting over the finish line.”

Marisol Santiago from MassVOTE expressed optimism: “We are heartened by...this crucial amendment...This achievement reflects hard work and passion… We remain dedicated…”

Rahsaan Hall from Urban League emphasized: "At a time when democracy is under attack across country…led by Sen. Creem… Inefficient election administration have disproportionately impacted communities..."

Jacob Love from Lawyers for Civil Rights concluded: "Lawyers for Civil Rights is thrilled that Senate has adopted this critical amendment — addressing one biggest remaining obstacles…"

More information on this amendment can be found here.

The Massachusetts Election Modernization Coalition comprises advocacy organizations including Common Cause Massachusetts, ACLU of Massachusetts, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, MassVOTE, MASSPIRG among others.