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New Legislation Will Increase Voter Participation

Advocates Urge Swift Passage

From LWVMA: 

BOSTON – Senator Cindy Creem and Representative John Lawn have filed legislation that the Election Modernization Coalition heralded as the most comprehensive next step for Massachusetts elections. Read the bill summary here.

The legislation, “An Act Fostering Voting Opportunities, Trust, Equity, and Security,” or “the VOTES Act” would make permanent many of the short-term reforms implemented for elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, including allowing all eligible voters to request a mail ballot and expanding early voting options. The VOTES Act also: establishes same-day voter registration; ensures that eligible voters who are incarcerated are able to request a mail ballot and vote; and creates a risk-limiting audit system to replace Massachusetts’ dated method of post-election audits. Risk-limiting audits are considered “the gold standard” and have already been implemented in Colorado, Georgia, and Rhode Island. The legislation would also require the Secretary of Commonwealth to implement Automatic Voter Registration as passed by the Legislature in 2018,  to better streamline voter registration.

The Election Modernization Coalition is comprised of longtime advocates who championed early voting, online voter registration,  Automatic Voter Registration, and the legislation passed in the summer of 2020 to respond to the COVID pandemic. According to the Coalition, the Creem-Lawn Bill comes at a critical moment. After months of misinformation and disinformation about the nation’s elections, outright attacks on US democracy, and a movement for racial justice that once again highlighted existing racism and racial inequity in the nation, this legislation offers concrete solutions that are badly-needed in the Commonwealth.

House bill is available here.

Senate bill is available here.

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The League Presents... is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

The League registers voters and educates them about the important issues and challenges facing Newto

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 days ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
National Voter Registration Day is Sept 19!Make sure you're #VoteReady in 2023 by checking your voter registration status on MA's online voter registration site, especially if you haven't voted in awhile or your life has included any of the following:🚚 a move💍 name change🇺🇸 new US citizenship🎂 an 18th birthdayAnd, this is a good day to remind your family, friends, and neighbors to register & vote in the upcoming local elections! ... See MoreSee Less
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

1 week ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In this month's episode of The League Presents, learn about the Village Center Overlay District Ordinance from Jennifer Caira – Deputy Director, Planning & Development Department and Councilor Deb Crossley – Chair Zoning & Planning Committee. ... See MoreSee Less

The League Presents - Zoning Redesign 111

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Marcia Johnson, Jennifer Cairo and Deb Crossley discuss the Newton Zoning Redesign.

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 weeks ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
The preliminary election for Ward 2 and 6 is September 12. Mark your calendar and make your voting plan. Learn about the candidates and get voting information here: lwvnewton.org/2023/08/newton-preliminary-election-tuesday-september-12-2023/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

3 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
In the last few days of Pride Month, check out these two informative programs by the League of Women Voters of Newton, MA1) The League Presents... Pride Month Edition - A Conversation with Newton Youth: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/the-league-presents-pride-month-edition-a-conversation-with-newton-youth/ 2) LGBTQ+ Backlash: What you can do to push back. View the recoding here: lwvnewton.org/2023/06/video-presentation-anti-lgbtqia-backlash-what-can-you-do-to-push-back/ ... See MoreSee Less

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

4 months ago

League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
Anti-LGBTQIA+ initiatives are taking root throughout the country and Newton is not immune. Hear from the ACLU’s Ruth Bourquin about the context, consequences, and responses to the anti-LBGTQIA+ backlash at this month’s virtual topic meeting. This meeting is free and open to the community. Register in advance: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfuyhrzwtGNTYlmG-GpCBxTa1Z5MS81Ga#/registration ... See MoreSee Less

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

© 2023 League of Women Voters® Newton | P.O. Box 610207, Newton, MA 02461 | info@lwvnewton.org

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