Boston, MA  – This National Voter Registration Day, the Election Modernization Coalition (EMC) and a diverse group of stakeholders testified in support of legislation to establish same day voter registration in Massachusetts (S.505, H. 384).  

“At a time when people need more power to defend democracy peacefully at the ballot box, it’s more important than ever to ensure that every eligible voter who wishes to cast a ballot on Election Day is able to do so,” said Geoff Foster, executive director, Common Cause Massachusetts. “It’s finally time for same day registration in Massachusetts.” 

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Vermont Director of Elections Seán Sheehan both spoke to how same day registration has made the ballot box more accessible for the people of Maine and Vermont since it was implemented in each state. 

“Same-day voter registration is the single greatest safety net we have to ensure every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot. After the implementation of same-day voter registration, Maine has consistently ranked in the top ten states for voter turnout. Indeed, in 2022 Maine ranked first in the nation in voter participation,” said Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. 

“Since the adoption of same day registration in Vermont, we’ve heard positive feedback from both voters and local election officials. Election officials get the good feeling of being able to help people out and not having to be the bearer of bad news that eligible citizens can’t vote. They can be the hero who can make someone’s day and facilitate their participation in our democracy,” said Vermont Director of Elections Seán Sheehan. 

Boston civic leaders stressed in their testimony that the legislature needs to act immediately to ensure Boston voters can equitably access the ballot box.  

In written testimony submitted to the committee, Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said, “In the 2024 general election, more than one-third of all rejected provisional ballots statewide came from Boston voters, nearly all of which would have been avoided with same-day registration. By allowing voters to register and cast their ballot on the same day, Massachusetts will ensure that those who move frequently, those new to civic engagement, and those previously shut out of the process are finally included.” 

Speaking in person, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon who represents Allston and Brighton said, “It’s clear that the current 10-day registration cutoff serves as a barrier to voters’ participation in Boston elections, disproportionately impacting our renters and our immigrant communities. With same day registration, every eligible voter would be able to cast a vote on Election Day.” 

Healthcare professionals emphasized that communities with more inclusive voting policies and greater levels of civic participation are healthier.

“Voting and health are deeply connected. Research consistently shows that accessible voting strengthens both democracy and community health. My patients face not just medical issues, but social challenges requiring civic solutions — especially since zip code predicts health outcomes more strongly than genetics,” said Dr. Alister Martin, MD, MPP, Vot-ER founder and Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Housing experts discussed how same day registration ensures populations that tend to move frequently, including college students, unhoused people, and low-income families, can still participate in the democratic process. 

“Everyone who is eligible to vote deserves a fair opportunity to participate in our democracy, regardless of their financial means or vulnerable housing status. Same day registration is the single best tool to make that a reality. Qualified voters without stable housing will no longer be penalized for the involuntary displacements they experience,” said Matt Noyes, Director of State and Federal Advocacy at the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association.

Faith leaders also shared how same day voter registration would impact their communities. 

“Immigrants and low-income residents often don’t focus on elections because they have immediate, pressing concerns around housing, food, and healthcare. Without same day registration, their voices are excluded. Same day registration is not merely a policy choice, but a moral imperative and necessary if we are to build a truly inclusive and representative democracy in Massachusetts,” said Pastor Dieufort “Keke” Fleurrisaint. 

View the full hearing here.  

S. 505H. 384 now awaits a committee vote.

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