Bay State News

The Election Modernization Coalition is advocating for the implementation of same-day voter registration in Massachusetts. This appeal follows the release of a memo highlighting that 66% of provisional ballots in the 2024 statewide election were rejected due to administrative issues. Specifically, 3,309 votes went uncounted, which, according to the coalition, could have been avoided with same-day registration.

Provisional ballots are used when voter details are incorrect or missing. While intended to ensure every voter can participate, many ballots remain uncounted due to minor administrative reasons. The coalition believes same-day registration could resolve these issues quickly, allowing voters to cast ballots without the provisional process.

Geoff Foster, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts, stated, "Same-day voter registration will keep our elections secure and efficient while also ensuring every eligible voter can make their voice heard." He emphasizes that same-day registration would enable election officials to assist voters encountering problems, thereby improving vote counting.

Cheryl Crawford, Executive Director of MassVOTE, adds, "Casting a vote should be accessible to every citizen. Yet, too many eligible voters face unyielding obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in our democracy." She highlights that 64% of provisional ballots in Boston were rejected, advocating for same-day registration as a necessary reform.

Barbara L’Italien, Executive Director of the Disability Law Center, Inc. (DLC), views same-day registration as crucial for inclusivity, stating it will make democracy more accessible, especially for voters with disabilities. Celia Canavan, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, emphasized that same-day registration would alleviate the burden on election officials and help marginalized groups engage in governance.

Traci Griffith from the ACLU of Massachusetts identifies the rejection of provisional ballots as a civil rights issue, disproportionately affecting people of color. She sees same-day registration as essential for racial justice and democratic access.

Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG, underlines the simplicity of same-day voter registration, noting its effectiveness in 22 other states. Encouraging Massachusetts to adopt the same, she says, "The simpler, more transparent and more straightforward that voting systems are, the better off we’ll all be."