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Bill

HD 1823

An Act relative to city and town clerks mailing of early voting ballots

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tommy Vitolo

Requires Massachusetts city and town clerks to mail early voting ballots to requesting voters rather than requiring in-person pickup, expanding voting accessibility.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1823

Legislative bill overview

HD 1823 requires city and town clerks in Massachusetts to mail early voting ballots to registered voters who request them, rather than requiring voters to pick them up in person. The bill establishes procedures and timelines for clerks to process and distribute these ballots by mail, similar to absentee ballot procedures already in place.

Why is this important

Early voting by mail increases ballot accessibility for voters with mobility limitations, work conflicts, or scheduling constraints. This change could reduce barriers to voting participation and address potential bottlenecks at early voting locations where in-person pickup creates logistical challenges for both voters and clerks.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and cost: Clarification needed on whether municipalities bear printing, postage, and processing costs for mailed early ballots, and whether state funding is provided
  • Election security and ballot tracking: Questions about how clerks will verify voter eligibility before mailing ballots and track ballot delivery to prevent fraud or duplicate voting
  • Timeline feasibility: Early voting periods are compressed; ensuring ballots are printed, verified, mailed, and returned with sufficient processing time before Election Day may strain clerk resources

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

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