House Passes Historic Voting Rights Bill

BOSTON – Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick), joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing H.4359, An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity, and security (VOTES Act) by a vote of 124-34. To encourage civic participation, this bill enhances and expands a number of voting reforms ultimately removing barriers and strengthening security. The legislation establishes permanent vote by mail and early voting, strengthens jail-based voting, amends automatic voter registration, and enrolls the Commonwealth in Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).

“I was proud to join my colleagues to pass House Bill 4359. This bill will ensure increased participation in elections while improving the integrity of our election systems” said Representative Linsky. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and the rest of my colleagues for their hard work to make critical steps in protecting and expanding voting rights.”

Mail-In & Early Voting

To expand voter participation, this bill establishes permanent mail-in and early voting measures. This shall apply to any presidential or state primary, state special election or biennial state election, or any election held to fill vacancy in the United States Congress.

Automatic Voter Registration (AVR)

The House bill amends current AVR to ensure voters must be given the option to opt-out of registering after their AVR transaction—known as “back end” AVR. This is more effective than the current “front end” system which allows voters to opt out at their point of service (e.g., RMV) which ultimately encourages voters to opt-out at higher rates. Back-end AVR is more secure as it places the responsibility confirming voter eligibility on government officials rather than individuals.

Jail-Based Voting

Representative Linsky joined his colleagues in passing Amendment 13 by a vote of 153-5. This amendment will strengthen voting participation and ballot access for persons incarcerated, pending trial, or on a non-felony conviction by requiring sheriffs to supply them with important information such as absentee ballot request forms and voter registration forms.

Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)

The passage of this bill will ensure that the Commonwealth enrolls int Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), bringing Massachusetts voter rolls up to date making it easier for voting measures to be implemented for election officials. This measure was previously passed in 2018, however the VOTES Act mandates the implementation by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Same Day Registration

While Representative Linsky voted in favor of same-day voter registration, the amendment was not included in the final House bill. Furthermore, Representative Linsky voted in opposition to a further amendment that effectively removed same-day registration from the bill. This amendment passed 93-64.

The bill now goes before a joint House-Senate Conference Committee.

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