House Passes Conference Committee Report for Voting Options

BOSTON – This week, House and Senate negotiators unveiled compromise language for comprehensive voting reform. Today, Representative David Linsky (D-Natick) and his colleagues in the House passed a conference committee report, H.4820, An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19, on a roll call vote 157-1. This historic legislation will expand voting options in Massachusetts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard the democratic process while prioritizing the health and well being of the citizens of Massachusetts.

“I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for this compromise bill that will dramatically improve our voting systems while also protecting the people of the Commonwealth during these unprecedented times” said Representative Linsky. “It is imperative that we provide options for individuals that include the flexibility to address the uncertain nature of COVID-19.”

Highlights of the conference committee report include:

• The deadline to apply to vote early by mail will be 6 days before both the state primary (August 26) and general election (October 28).

• The deadline to submit early voting by mail ballots will be the close of polls on primary and general election day. Ballots mailed by the general election day, however, will be counted until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6.

• The bill provides for absentee voting by any person taking precautions related to COVID-19.

• The state secretary will promulgate emergency regulations regarding public health safeguards for in-person voting.

• There will be 7 days of in-person early voting for the state primary from August 22-28.

• There will be 14 days of in-person early voting for the general election from October 17-30.

• Early voting by mail will also be available for local elections held at the same time as the state primary and general elections or on or before December 31, 2020

• The bill provides voting accessibility for persons with disabilities in compliance with the Disabilities Act and national standards.

The bill will now go to the Senate for further action.