Mass. approves vote by mail, early voting for upcoming elections

The Massachusetts legislature recently approved legislation that expands voter access and ensures voters have safe voting options during the COVID-19 pandemic for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1 state primary and November 3 general election. The legislation, for the first time in state history, establishes a vote-by-mail option and early voting period for the upcoming fall elections. In addition to those options, the bill also addresses polling place safety for those who choose to cast their ballots in person.

“I was pleased to co-sponsor and vote for this legislation,” said state Representative Bill Galvin (D-Canton). “This law ensures that all voters will have the ability to vote in the upcoming elections, despite the COVID pandemic.”

The state secretary will send an application for a mail-in ballot to all registered voters. The application will contain a prepaid return envelope. Residents will receive their application around mid July for the primary and must submit their application by August 26. The secretary will send a second application in September for voters wishing to vote by mail for the general election. That application must be submitted by October 28.

The town clerk will then mail a ballot with return postage prepaid to voters who apply. Voters may return their ballot by mail, in a drop box, or in person. Voters have until the polls close on election day to submit their ballots.

Voters can still vote in person. Early voting was expanded to alleviate crowds on election day. Voters will have a seven-day window starting in late August to vote in person for the primary and will have a 14-day window to vote in person for the general election starting in late October.

Acknowledging the increased burden these options may place on municipalities and clerks, the bill also provides for several accommodations to make the logistics of processing votes easier. The legislation allows for tabulating ballots prior to election day, and it offers pre-addressed envelopes to voters so their applications go directly to their clerk’s office. Additionally, the bill requires the state secretary to conduct a public awareness campaign to inform and notify voters of the many options available to cast a vote in the upcoming elections.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Baker on July 6.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jul 17 2020. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.