BOSTON, MA – Today, MassVOTE, members of the Election Modernization Coalition (EMC), and community advocates, held a press conference at Boston City Hall Plaza to call on the legislature to enact Same Day Voter Registration (SDR). Speakers emphasized barriers at the polls disproportionately impact Boston voters and highlighted how SDR would ensure broader access to the ballot box.

Boston accounted for 34% of all rejected provisional ballots in Massachusetts in the 2024 November election, despite only making up 9% of the state’s population. Advocates stressed that the legislature needs to act immediately to ensure Boston voters can equitably access the ballot box.

“Same-day voter registration strengthens our democracy. It uplifts residents who have long been marginalized from our processes. Twenty-three states already make this possible. It is smart and it is practical. Massachusetts would be wise to adopt this commonsense step to increase civic engagement and voter turnout,” said Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston City Council President.

The press conference brought together leaders from Common Cause Massachusetts, MassVOTE, ACLU Massachusetts, and other voting rights advocates, all unified in their call to strengthen democracy by ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot that counts.

“Our voting rights coalition recognizes the need to empower people at the ballot box now more than ever,'” said Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. “That means finally removing barriers to voting with Same Day Registration.”

Advocates also noted that the event comes at a critical moment, as state lawmakers are expected to hold a public hearing on SDR legislation on Tuesday, September 16 at 1pm at the State House.

“Massachusetts needs Same Day Voter Registration so that all those who are eligible to vote are able to participate in our democracy,” said Rep. Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury). “I am proud to sponsor the House bill that would make this policy a reality, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the bill over the finish line this session.”

Speakers noted that without SDR, thousands of Massachusetts voters — particularly from urban communities, renters, students, and voters of color — are locked out of the democratic process due to unnecessary registration deadlines.

“Any barriers or red tape that impede the voting process do not help our condition as a community. Same Day Registration only increases voter participation, which in turn makes us a better city, state, and country,” said Royal Smith, President of the NAACP Boston Branch. “The NAACP Boston Branch is proud to stand in strong support of Same Day Registration, recognizing it as a vital tool to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.

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