Advocates Thank Legislature, Governor for Extending Election Reforms

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 so that they apply to over 200 spring municipal elections. Countless voters across the Commonwealth will be able to participate safely in local elections thanks to their swift action. 

In the midst of a pandemic, Massachusetts citizens set voter participation records. This was a testament to their commitment to our democracy, and a direct result of mail-in voting, expanded early voting, and methods of returning ballots like secure drop boxes, that reduced barriers to participation. We appreciate that the Legislature and Governor recognize that despite the early rollout of vaccines, we will remain in the pandemic for the foreseeable future and Massachusetts citizens must be able to participate safely in their municipal elections.

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. 

We look forward to working with Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka and the legislature to pass the VOTES Act, sponsored by Representative John Lawn and Senator Cindy Creem and cosponsored by 94 other members, to make vote-by-mail permanent and dismantle remaining barriers to voter participation in the Commonwealth. 

Signed,

The Election Modernization Coalition

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The Election Modernization Coalition is comprised of the ACLU of Massachusetts, Common Cause Massachusetts, Lawyers for Civil Rights, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, MASSPIRG, MassVOTE, and the Massachusetts Voter Table.