House Expands Access to Voting with Automatic Voter Registration

BOSTON- Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that will expand access to voting in the Commonwealth. H.4667, An Act automatically registering eligible voters and enhancing safeguards against fraud, establishes a protocol for anyone applying for a license or state-issued ID at the Registry of Motor Vehicles to be automatically registered to vote.

With this legislation, applications from the Registry of Motor Vehicles and MassHealth will automatically register eligible voters unless the person declines to be registered. Those who do not opt out will have their information submitted for voter registration, and local election clerks will send the individual a card asking if they want to take their name off the rolls or register with one of the political parties.

“The right to vote is the core of a thriving democracy. I have always been a strong advocate for policies that enhance the transparency of our election systems and open access to voting for all eligible citizens in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Linsky. “This legislation will make civic participation more accessible for all residents of the Commonwealth, and I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for automatic voter registration.”

It is estimated that automatic voter registration in the Commonwealth could eventually lead to 700,000 newly registered voters and increase voter turnout by 5 percent. The state has $43 million available from the Help America Vote Act of 2006 to finance the program, which is estimated to cost $500,000 to implement and $250,000 a year thereafter. The bill has an effective date of January 1, 2020.

H.4667 passed the House 130-20 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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For More Information: Abigail Silverman (617) 722-2575