Both the Massachusetts House and Senate passed legislation to extend mail-in voting and early voting options for elections held through the end of June 2021. The vote-by-mail provision was previously set to expire at the end of March 2021.
“I was proud to join the House in voting in favor of this comprehensive package that will support workers and small businesses across Massachusetts,” said Representative Adrian Madaro. “This bill will strengthen our unemployment system and give small businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic much-needed relief. Critically, the passage of emergency paid sick leave is a major victory for workers in our community, many of whom have been unable to take time off when sick or exposed to COVID-19. This will help reduce the risk of spread in the workplace and protect employees and their families.”
The bill also allows municipalities to provide residents with the option to vote early in-person in these elections. Additionally, the legislation requires local election officials to make reasonable efforts to grant accommodations for voters with disabilities who might have difficulty accessing a paper mail-in ballot and request an accommodation.
Cities and towns can postpone municipal elections and caucuses scheduled before June 30, 2021 until August 1, 2021.