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S 510

Occupational Therapy Month Concurrent

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danny Verdin

The bill requires in-person voters to show a free state-issued photo ID for voting and adds new check-in and recording procedures to standardize identity verification.

Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
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Bill Summary · S 510

Summary — S 510 (2025): "An Act relative to safe and secure elections"

Note: The bill text provided is a Massachusetts state bill (Senate No. 510, filed by Sen. Peter J. Durant) that creates a state-issued photo identification card for voting and changes in-person check-in procedures. Some header metadata (title “Relates to the sale of motor vehicle tires” and certain sponsor lists) appears inconsistent with the text; this summary follows the bill text.

Purpose

To strengthen in‑person voter identification and standardize check-in procedures by: (1) requiring presentation of a valid photo ID to receive a ballot, (2) authorizing a free, state‑issued voter photo ID card for use “for voting purposes only,” and (3) revising checklist and recording procedures used by ballot clerks and supervisors.

Key provisions

  • State-issued voter photo ID (Chapter 51, new Section 67)

    • Secretary of the Commonwealth must issue, upon request and at no cost, a photo ID “to be used for voting purposes only.”
    • Photo must be a straightforward front-facing view without eyeglasses.
    • Card must be clearly marked “FOR VOTING PURPOSES ONLY.”

  • In‑person check‑in changes (Chapter 54, amended Section 76)

    • Voter announces name and address to a ballot clerk; clerk confirms and, if address differs but remains in same municipality/ward, records the change in red on the paper checklist and the supervisors will update the voter registration database.

  • ID requirement to receive ballots (Chapter 54, amended Section 76B)

    • Voter must present proof of identity meeting defined requirements before being given ballots.
    • Ballot clerk marks the checklist with a ruler or straight edge to indicate issuance of a ballot.
    • Accepted photo IDs (must show name substantially matching registration and a photograph):
    • Massachusetts driver’s license
    • Non‑driver ID from MA or another state (including out‑of‑state IDs; state of issuance must be recorded)
    • U.S. Armed Forces ID
    • U.S. passport or passport card
    • Secretary‑issued voter ID card (from new Section 67)
    • A challenged voter affidavit (per subsection (c))
    • Photo IDs must have an expiration date not exceeded by more than 5 years; voters 65+ may use qualifying IDs regardless of expiration date.
    • If an out‑of‑state driver/non‑driver ID is presented, the ballot clerk records the issuing state on the checklist in a designated color; supervisors must enter that issuing state in the statewide voter registration database within 30 days.

  • Additional administrative provisions

    • Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide training for supervisors on use of nonpublic data to satisfy ID requirements.
    • Secretary to develop an informational pamphlet explaining how to obtain the voter photo ID.
    • Individuals unable to provide a valid photo ID may cast a provisional ballot pursuant to existing Section 76C.

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts voters (all in‑person voters will be asked for photo ID to receive ballots; those without ID may use provisional ballots).
  • Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office (responsible for issuing free voter IDs, training, and informational materials).
  • Local election officials, ballot clerks, and supervisors of the checklist (new check‑in and recording duties).
  • Motor vehicle/ID issuing authorities indirectly (out‑of‑state ID recording).

Implementation & procedural status

  • Introduced in the MA Senate: February 11, 2025.
  • Current status (per provided actions): Referred to committees (Consumer Protection; Election Laws; Finance), hearing scheduled for 07/08/2025, accompanied a study order (S2567), and other committee referrals noted.
  • Related measures listed: companion HR 2545, SD 628, prior-session S 8371.

Potential impacts to note

  • Expands ID verification at polls while creating a free state voter ID to mitigate access barriers.
  • Adds administrative tasks for local officials (recordkeeping, database updates, training).
  • Leaves a provisional ballot option for voters without ID, but introduces additional data‑entry and verification steps that could affect processing time at polling places.

This summary reflects the bill text as provided; readers should consult the official bill and committee reports for updates, amendments, and fiscal estimates.

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

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