House Approves Paid Time Off For Election Day Voting

This article originally appeared in the Statehouse News Service on December 15, 2024 and was written by Alison Kuznitz.  

Below is a comment from Geoff Foster on the Massachusetts House’s approval of legislation allowing employees to take paid time off on election day to cast their ballots in person.

Geoff Foster, executive director of democracy advocacy organization Common Cause Massachusetts, said the bill is a “really good next step.” Multiple obstacles continue to hinder Massachusetts voters, including their availability to go to the polls, he said.

“People don’t typically work 9 to 5 anymore — it’s exacerbated with hybrid and remote work,” Foster said. “I think we’re in a new era and we’re in a new period post-pandemic where there’s a bunch of new normals being developed. And I think it’s really important and I’m glad to see the Legislature acting on this — it’s really important we continue to modernize our elections and address barriers.”

Foster urged lawmakers to tackle additional voting reforms, including enabling same-day voter registration, ensuring voters aren’t penalized for not completing municipal census forms, and improving disability access at polling sites.

To read the full article, click here.