Election reform backed by Chang-Díaz passes

The state Senate on Jan. 16 passed election-reform legislation that authorizes early voting for state and federal elections and primaries; allows residents to register to vote on Election Day; and creates an online voter registration system, according to a press release.

Local state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz has pushed for many of the reforms contained in the bill and was an author to some of its provisions.

The bill also allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote; requires audits of voting machines; and provides for the automatic re-registration of voters when they move within the state.

“Increasing civic participation is a core mission for me as the state senator for the Second Suffolk District” said Chang-Díaz, according to the press release. “The bill passed by the Senate takes important strides toward a more inclusive commonwealth, removing unnecessary barriers to the ballot box.”

The Senate legislation (S.1981) and a House bill (H.3788) will now head to a conference committee.

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