Vote By Mail Passes in the MA House of Representatives

Boston – Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation expanding options for both mail-in and early voting for the 2020 state primary and general elections. The bill seeks to increase voter accessibility as legislatures and voters continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing as the new normal.

“Expanding early voting options and integrating voting by mail will increase participation in elections while improving the integrity of our voting systems,” said Representative Linsky. “It is vitally important that we protect the electoral system through this uncertain time while balancing public health recommendations and the need for social distancing measures.”

The legislation, H.4768, An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19, includes several provisions that will provide more flexibility in registration and voting while prioritizing social distancing recommendations and voters’ health and well-being.

Highlights from the bill include:

· Secretary of the Commonwealth will mail vote by mail applications to all registered voters’ mailing addresses for the primary and general elections

· Those that apply for a vote by mail ballot will be mailed a ballot from their town or city clerk.

· Postage for applications and ballots will be pre-paid

· Allows the Secretary of the Commonwealth to promulgate emergency regulations for in-person voting to adhere to public health recommendations, including social distancing, masks or face coverings, PPE, sanitizers, etc.

· Allows city and town clerks to deposit mail-in ballots into a tabulator or ballot box prior to Election Day

· Accommodations such as phone and electronic application submissions will also be made available.

H.4768 also provides that ballots postmarked by Election Day (November 3rd) will still be received by town and city clerks until November 5th and shortens the voter registration deadline to 10 days prior to the election. In addition, the bill permits the use of an electronic polling book for the 2020 elections as well as all future elections. Cities and towns must also evaluate and report any change to a polling place should the change result in a disparate impact on the basis of race, national origin, disability, income or age.

The bill will now go to the Senate.