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Bill

SD 667

An Act establishing same day voter registration

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 9 co-sponsors

Allows same-day, in-person voter registration at polling places or early voting sites, letting eligible residents register and vote on the same day.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 667

Summary: An Act Establishing Same Day Voter Registration (Senate Docket No. 667)

Purpose
- Establishes same-day voter registration in Massachusetts by adding a new Section 34A to Chapter 51. The goal is to allow eligible individuals to register and vote on the same day at designated voting locations during voting hours.

Key Provisions

  • In-Person Registration at Voting Locations

    • Eligible voters may register in person at the polling place for their precinct or at an early voting site within the city or town where they reside, during the hours the site is open for voting.
    • Registration requires presenting proof of residence and completing an affidavit of registration.

  • Proof of Residence

    • Acceptable proofs include:
    • A valid photo ID (e.g., Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID) or
    • Other documentation showing name and address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, government check, lease, wireless bill, paycheck, government document, student fee statement, or similar document from a post-secondary institution).

  • Affidavit and Oath

    • Registrants sign an affidavit confirming US citizenship, being at least 18, not under certain guardianships, not disqualified for corrupt practices, not voting elsewhere, and understanding penalties for false information.
    • The right to assistance in voting applies to those registering under this section.

  • Voting on Same Day

    • Once registered under this section, the individual may vote at that primary or election.
    • Registrants are thereafter registered for all subsequent primaries and elections, subject to general voting law.

  • Provisional Ballots and Proof of Residence

    • If a registrant fails to present proof of residence, they may cast a provisional ballot.
    • The registrant must provide proof of residence within 2 business days after a primary or within 6 days after an election.

  • Registrar Roles and Corrections

    • Registrars may correct information as needed to maintain record integrity.
    • If an affidavit is incomplete or shows ineligibility, procedures in existing law (section 47) apply.

  • Post-Election Registration Update

    • Registrars must add the registrant’s name, address, and effective date of registration to the register of voters as soon as practicable after the primary or election.

  • Party Enrollment

    • A voter who registers under this section may not change party enrollment at a primary.

  • Enforcement and Investigations

    • Violations are punishable under specified provisions; credible information or allegations of illegal registration or multiple voting trigger investigations by the attorney general or appropriate district attorney.

  • Legislative Status and Timing

    • Inserted as Section 34A in Chapter 51.
    • Legislative actions shown: introduced in the Senate (Senate Docket No. 667) and referred to the Committee on Election Laws; the House has concurred.
    • Effective date: not explicitly stated in the text; implementation is described “as soon as practicable after the primary or election” for updating registration records, with provisional ballots allowed if proof of residence is initially lacking.

Who is Affected

  • Voters seeking to register on the day of voting.
  • Election officials and registrars in each city/town.
  • Early voting sites, in addition to polling places.
  • The Attorney General and district attorneys for enforcement actions.
  • Political parties (indirectly through restrictions on changing party enrollment at primaries).

Impact Considerations

  • Expands voter registration access and potentially shortens the path to voting for eligible residents.
  • Increases administrative responsibilities for towns, including verification of residence and managing provisional ballots.
  • Adds clear penalties for false statements and strengthens enforcement mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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