Election Protection

On Monday, the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Elections Laws sent the VOTES Act to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the first step in bringing the comprehensive voting bill up for a vote.

Experts, advocates, and community organizers testify in support of the VOTES Act to improve Massachusetts elections. The bill has strong momentum with over 100 cosponsors in the state legislature. 

Advocates on the call had pre-arranged Zoom calls and phone calls with their representatives and senators while others did phone-banking in break-out groups. The message was clear: the VOTES Act needs a swift public hearing and passage to guarantee access, equity, and security for the fall elections.

Advocates and legislators pointed out that the VOTES Act, if passed, would not only make the previous temporary changes permanent, it would strengthen Massachusetts’ elections system in other ways. 

We, the Election Modernization Coalition, thank members of the Legislature for passing, and Governor Baker for signing, a bipartisan bill to extend fall elections reforms through June. Making reforms that have worked for voters permanent is a clear next step to build a more inclusive, accessible, and secure democracy, and we are deeply grateful for support from House and Senate leadership. 

Sen. Cindy Creem and Rep. John Lawn have filed legislation that the Election Modernization Coalition heralded as the most comprehensive next step for Massachusetts elections.