Expanded voting options for 2020 elections pass Massachusetts Senate
The Senate passed expanded vote-by-mail legislation Tuesday that would allow voters to avoid the polls, but still participate, during the upcoming primaries and general election if they feel unsafe due to the ongoing pandemic.
The Senate approved its own version (S 2755) of vote-by-mail legislation that would offer registered voters three options to cast a ballot: during extended early voting periods, voting in-person on election day, or voting-by-mail. Between early voting and vote-by-mail, the reforms could substantially reduce lines on Nov. 3 and increase interest in sometimes lower-turnout primary contests, supporters said.
As social distancing has pushed people away from crowded, public locations, officials saw voting-by-mail as a way to offer a safe alternative to keep participation high during the 2020 elections. After adopting several amendments, the Senate unanimously passed the bill that would instruct Secretary of State William Galvin to mail every voter an application for a ballot by July 15.
The bill now goes back to the House, which approved the initial voting bill on June 4, and it must be reconciled between leaders of both branches before final legislative votes can be taken and the bill can be sent to Gov. Charlie Baker for review.
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