Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty
Last week, State Representative Eugene O’Flaherty introduced legislation designed to streamline Massachusetts’ election procedures by enabling early voting during presidential elections and furnishing local officials and voters with tools to enhance voting efficiency.
The House voted unanimously to advance O’Flaherty’s bill alongside his colleagues.
Beginning in 2016, the legislation sponsored by O’Flaherty will permit early voting in presidential elections. Supporters expect the measure to reduce Election Day queues substantially and enable greater voter participation. Additionally, the bill establishes a secure online system allowing voters to register, update their information, and verify their registration status.
According to O’Flaherty, “fblikebutton_button” “No one likes long lines while voting and perhaps this bill won’t end that but it will diminish it and will also move us in the right direction when eradicating hardships associated with voting”
The early voting period will span ten business days before presidential elections, operating during standard municipal office hours. Following the 2016 election, a task force will compile findings regarding implementation costs, administrative needs, voter participation rates, and polling place congestion.
The online portal enables new voter registration and permits current voters to update addresses, locate their polling location, and verify their registration status. This system is anticipated to reduce administrative expenses while simplifying the registration process.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) stated “This bill improves voting efficiency and helps give citizens across the Commonwealth a voice,”. “Massachusetts has a rich history of civic involvement and I believe this legislation bring 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.”