A new analysis by the Election Modernization Coalition of provisional ballot data from the 2022 statewide election highlights the immediate need for same-day voter registration in Massachusetts.

The data shows that two-thirds of provisional ballots cast in the 2022 statewide election were rejected for administrative reasons, resulting in 1,600 fewer votes counted. 99% of those rejected ballots might have been counted had Massachusetts had same-day voter registration so that voters could solve problems with their registration and then vote.

The memo sent to the Massachusetts General Court, including the source data, is available here: https://www.commoncause.org/massachusetts/resource/memo-on-provisional-ballots-cast-in-2022-general-election/ 

Provisional ballots are offered to voters if their personal information is incorrect or missing from the voter list when they check in to vote. Provisional ballots should be a last and final resort to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their vote. Same-day registration will streamline the process of resolving issues of a voter’s registration status and eliminate the need for the time-intensive provisional ballot process. Voters and election officials will be able to quickly, easily, and definitively determine a voter’s eligibility to vote and can allow that voter to cast a ballot without the need for a provisional ballot.  

“Same-day voter registration would free town clerks and city election officials from the cumbersome provisional ballot process, and enable the election official assigned to provisional ballots to instead offer voter registration to people who encounter a problem,” says Geoff Foster, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “Our lawmakers have the opportunity to enact same-day and other essential election reforms this session with the passage of the Voting ACCESS Act.” 

“Casting a vote should be a simple and accessible act for all citizens,” says Cheryl Clyburn-Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE. “The high number of rejected provisional ballots in the 2022 election is a clear indicator that our system needs improvement. Same-day voter registration would not only reduce administrative obstacles, but also empower voters to participate fully in our democracy. Let’s make the right to vote a reality for every eligible citizen.”

“Enacting same-day voter registration in Massachusetts will not only help voters who show up at the polls and discover a problem with their registration. It will ease the burden on election officials in dealing with provisional ballots and voters’ questions about their registration status,” said Patricia Comfort, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.

“Showing up to the polls to vote is enough of a challenge for many voters, and administrative issues should never be a barrier to their vote being counted,” says Shanique Spalding, executive director of the MA Voter Table. “Same-day registration addresses registration issues promptly, empowering voters of color, low-income voters, and unlikely voters. It ensures that every eligible voter who wants to can exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard in our democracy.”

“Our coalition has been laser-focused on removing barriers to voting–we pushed for online voter registration, early voting, and other reforms to bring MA into the 21st century,” said Janet Domenitz of MASSPIRG. “This new analysis shows it’s well past time for same day registration.” 

“Provisional ballots are confusing and cumbersome, and they result in qualified voters having their ballots thrown in the trash,” said Gavi Wolfe, legislative director at the ACLU of Massachusetts. “Until Massachusetts adopts same day registration, this will continue to happen every election cycle. It’s time to fix our democracy so every vote finally counts.”

“Same-day registration is a commonsense policy that will boost access to the ballot box for all Massachusetts residents, including traditionally disenfranchised groups” says Jacob Love, staff attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights. “By reducing antiquated barriers to voting, like the onerous and confusing provisional ballot process, same-day registration  brings us closer to a truly open and equitable election system. That is why the Commonwealth must enact the Voting ACCESS Act this session.” 

“Casting a vote should be a simple and accessible act for all citizens,” says Cheryl Clyburn-Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE. “The high number of rejected provisional ballots in the 2022 election is a clear indicator that our system needs improvement. Same-day voter registration would not only reduce administrative obstacles, but also empower voters to participate fully in our democracy. Let’s make the right to vote a reality for every eligible citizen.”

“Same-day voter registration is a vital step toward making our democracy truly inclusive, ensuring that every eligible voter, including those with disabilities, can participate fully in our democracy,” said Barbara L’Italien, executive director of the Disability Law Center, Inc. (DLC). “By enacting same-day voter registration, we will take a large step towards making the voting experience in Massachusetts equitable and accessible for all citizens.”