PLEDGE TO ACTTHE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN Massachusetts
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DEMOCRACY
Democracy starts with each of us—and together, we can make a major impact when we speak up for what’s right. We know the ultimate power in a democracy is the people. We are powerful, fearless, ordinary Americans working together to build a democracy that works for us all.
Take action! Join in the democracy work of the organizations below:
- ACLU of Massachusetts
- Common Cause Massachusetts
- Emancipation Initiative
- League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
- MassVOTE
- Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group
- NAACP Massachusetts
- Reclaim Our Democracy
- Voter Choice Massachusetts
- We the People Massachusetts
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW VOTING AND ELECTION BILLS IN MASSACHUSETTS
An online database created by the Brennan Center has all the most recent information on restrictive and expansive voting bills that are being proposed or have passed in your state. Make sure to stay up-to-date!
VISIT A ‘ONE-STOP-SHOP’ FOR ELECTION INFO: VOTE411.ORG FOR MASSACHUSETTS
VOTE411 is a “one-stop-shop” for election information created by League of Women Voters. Get your Personalized Voting Information to find your polling place, see what’s on your ballot, check your voter registration, learn ID requirements, and much more!
VOLUNTEER AT THE POLLS IN MASSACHUSETTS
An online portal developed by the Fair Elections Center to share state by state information on poll worker requirements and applications for each state.
LEARN WHERE THE POLITICAL MONEY COMES FROM IN MASSACHUSETTS
A searchable database by Open Secrets with profiles showing you who’s making the big political contributions in your state, as well as where the money’s coming from.
LEARN HOW DEMOCRACY REFORMS BECOME LAW IN MASSACHUSETTS
Twenty-six states, including Massachusetts & DC, allow citizen-led ballot initiatives and have a process for citizens to get measures on the ballot to be voted on to become law. This means that a group of citizens may place a measure on the ballot through gathering signatures, and, in some states, getting legislative approval once the set number of signatures is reached. LEARN MORE!
Massachusetts DEMOCRACY REFORM AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IS POSSIBLE TOO!
Learn more about the Freedom to Vote Act.
Urgent Action
Urge your Legislator to KEEP mail-in voting and more by cosponsoring the VOTES Act!
Common Cause Massachusetts is working to pass the VOTES Act, sponsored by Representative John Lawn and Senator Cindy Creem. This bill ensures that those reforms that worked for voters in 2020 — mail-in voting and early voting, especially — are not taken away. Tell your legislators that you support the VOTES Act!
Bring Election Day Registration to Massachusetts!
In Massachusetts, voters must register 20 days prior to an election. This is an arbitrary barrier that prevents and discourages eligible voters from participating. Election Day Registration allows eligible voters to register or update their registration on the spot – reducing the need for provisional ballots and encouraging robust voter participation. Contact your legislators now to support Election Day Registration!
Success Stories
Massachusetts lawmakers approve permanent extension of voting reforms
The state’s mostly successful experiment with voting-by-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic would become a permanent option for voters in future elections, but House lawmakers passed a major voting access bill that omitted voter registration rule changes sought by advocates and the Senate.
House Passes VOTES Act, Does Not Include Same-Day Registration
On Jan. 27, the House passed, 124-34, a strong voting reform bill, H.4359, to match the Senate version, S.2554. These two versions of the VOTES Act will now go to a conference committee to iron out the differences. This voting reform bill, which the League with our partners in the Election Modernization Coalition was instrumental in drafting, will greatly expand voting rights. To find out more click on the title to read!