News Clip

Rejected ballots cited in push for same-day registration

"For backers of the perennial push to authorize same-day registration, the numbers are proof that the state should be doing things differently."

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.”

To read the full article, click here. 

 

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