Sciortino, Garballey Back Early Voting, Online Registration

Medford State Representatives Carl Sciortino and Sean Garballey joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on Wednesday November 20th 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.”

“I am pleased that we have passed sensible legislation to help our democratic process,” said Representative Carl Sciortino (D – Medford). “Early voting will help ensure constituents are not left off on Election Day, and online registration will provide voters and poll workers with accurate information pertaining to voter registration statuses.”

“I am grateful for the leadership shown by the Speaker of the House and the membership of the House of Representatives for supporting this legislation,” said Representative Sean Garballey (D – Arlington). “I am particularly pleased that the cornerstone of this bill includes a piece of legislation that I filed this session entitled An Act establishing online voter registration. Establishing online voter registration will allow voters to access a secure online portal to fill out a registration form, find out if they are registered, and update their voter record using their driver’s license or state issued ID. This will help simplify the registration process, increase voter role accuracy, and reduce costs.”

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.

– Submitted by State Representatives Carl Sciortino and Sean Garballey