Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Voter Registration Deadline Tomorrow (but why?)

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We’re holding a primary election for US Senate in Massachusetts on April 30th.

If you’re eligible to vote and live in Massachusetts, you must be registered or register by tomorrow, April 10th, to be allowed to vote in this primary. Get to your city elections department, town clerk’s office, or download a form and make sure it’s postmarked no later than tomorrow!

If you move to Massachusetts after tomorrow? Can’t vote.

Forgot that you moved since you last registered, and go to your new precinct’s polling place? Can’t vote.

Why?

Nearly every election, at least one person I know wants to vote but realizes, too late, that they hadn’t registered in time. Especially young people, who often move once a year or more, often from state to state.

A bunch of states, including some of our neighbors, allow people to register at the polls on election day. Unsurprisingly, they average higher voter turnout. Connecticut recently joined them by passing same day registration which takes effect this year. But not us.

Part of the problem is our Secretary of State, who claims in public that he supports election day registration, but reportedly keeps blocking it behind the scenes. Even if he weren’t actively blocking it, the fact that we’ve been talking about it for so long while he’s been Secretary and it still hasn’t happened is a huge black mark on his record. He should be ashamed.

But another part of the problem is a legislature that doesn’t push to make it happen, whether the Secretary supports it or not. On this voter registration deadline week, call your state Representative and Senator and ask them, “why?”

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Comments

  1. The Young Dems and I believe the platform support same day registration. The Secretary has no formal legislative role so while I’m sure his input is respected it can ultimately be disregarded.

  2. theme developing here

    But another part of the problem is a legislature that doesn’t push to make it happen

    • Let’s diagram potential reactions.
      In the face of a reluctant legislature that does not push or, even, meaningfully support, good progressive policy, we could (let’s brainstorm! I’ll start):
      1. Blame the Leadership power structure
      2.
      3.
      4.
      5.

      • I’ll continue.

        1. Blame the Leadership power structure
        2. Blame ostensibly “progressive” Democratic legislators who can’t find the will to buck the Leadership power structure for big votes.
        3.
        4.
        5.

      • 3. Primary someone in the legislature, with a candidate whose message clearly targets something we’re upset with the legislature about.

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