The VOTES Act
An Act Fostering Voting Opportunities, Trust, Equity, and Security or the VOTES Act, was the largest expansion of voting access in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in years.
Stopping Voter Suppression
Some elected officials are trying to silence voters by creating needless barriers to the ballot box. Common Cause is fighting back against these anti-democracy efforts.
We should be able to make our voices heard at the polls and have a say in the leaders who represent us. But sometimes, politicians push for laws that discourage, obstruct, or even intimidate voters in an effort to cling to their power.
Polling place closures, limits to vote-by-mail, and needlessly strict voter ID regulations can prevent eligible voters from casting their ballot—and lately, this playbook of voter suppression strategies has become more popular. Common Cause is stopping voter suppression by opposing these efforts in the legislature, in the courts, and beyond in defense of the right to vote.
What We’re Doing
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Updates
Blog Post
The VOTES Act Unpacked: Mail-In Voting
Over the coming weeks, we will break down the VOTES Act and do a deep dive to each reform this omnibus election bill includes. We’re kicking things off this week by taking a deeper dive into mail-in voting.
Blog Post
Election Protection 2020: Preliminary Report
This brief details the 2020 Election Protection Program in Massachusetts, and those primary issues that arose on Election Day.
Blog Post
Five Things You Should Do Before Election Day
Election Day is less than one month away. Here are five things you should do between now and November 3.
Related Resources
Press
Press Release
Advocates criticize Municipal Empowerment Act’s approach to public meeting reforms
"The Municipal Empowerment Act falls short on ensuring access to public meetings."
Press Release
Gateway City Voters Overwhelming Support Voting ACCESS Act
Voters discuss new election laws, accessibility at town halls
News Clip
Our View: Paid time to vote is good for democracy
The Eagle Tribune editorial team writes in support of recent legislation to guarantee employees paid time off so they can vote.