BOSTON (WWLP) – Voting rights activists have begun their work to make the voting process more accessible for all American citizens ahead of the 2026 state election.

The advocates have a three-pronged approach to making voting easier for citizens in the form of one bill that allows same-day voter registration, one that breaks the connection between turning in your municipal census with your voter eligibility, and one that ensures access to private voting for disabled people.

In Massachusetts, people who are not on the voter list, have incorrect party enrollment, or who can’t prove identification are able to fill out provisional ballots.

The advocates contend that these votes are not always counted.

“There were 3,300 individuals who otherwise could have registered to vote who filled out provisional ballots, and those ballots were not counted. That is an opportunity that is lost,” said Rahsaan Hall, the President of Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.

The bills these advocates are fighting for would drastically reduce the number of provisional ballots handed out on election day, and by extension, reduce uncounted ballots.

“We’re leaving way too many voters behind. We’re at a time right now that we need to open the doors to democracy. We need to let more people in,” said Geoff Foster, the Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts.

Criticism of these initiatives includes concern about the increased risk of voter fraud and duplicate voting.

Voting advocates say fraud concerns are unrealistic and point to other states that have successfully implemented the policies they are fighting for.

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