This article originally appeared in the Eagle Tribune on October 25, 2023 and was written by the editorial team.  

More than two-thirds of the provisional ballots cast in the 2022 elections were rejected, according to a new report by voting access groups, which argues that the state should adopt same-day voter registration.

The analysis by the Election Modernization Coalition found that of the 2,491 provisional ballots cast in last year’s state wide election at least 64% — or 1,600 ballots — were rejected by local election clerks and not counted.

For backers of the perennial push to authorize same-day registration, the numbers are proof that the state should be doing things differently.Cheryl Clyburn-Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE and member of the coalition, said the high number of rejected provisional ballots in the previous election “is a clear indicator that our system needs improvement.”

“Casting a vote should be a simple and accessible act for all citizens,” she said. “Same-day voter registration would not only reduce administrative obstacles, but also empower voters to participate fully in our democracy.”

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