To the editor:
The Election Reform Bill of 2012 has been called the most significant election reform in decades.
The bill passed in the State House with overwhelming support at the end of May. But for this bill to become law, it must pass in the state Senate by the end of July. It includes many great provisions.
The bill would allow voters to download, print, sign and send in the voter registration form themselves, bringing Massachusetts in line with virtually every other state.
Pre-registration would allow youths to register anytime on or after their 16th birthday, for example when they get their driver’s license or in civics classes, so that they are ready to vote the day they turn 18. Youth participation could increase by 5 percent to 10 percent.
Voter suppression efforts are a reality around the country and right here in Massachusetts. We need to make sure our election officials have up-to-date training so that no eligible voters are turned away at the polls.
More than half of the states in the U.S. use post-election audits to ensure that votes are counted correctly. This common-sense business practice will give voters confidence in our voting machines.
Massachusetts election laws are out of date, it’s time to modernize. Our state legislators need to pass the Election Reform Bill before the legislative session ends on July 31.
DANIEL BELACHEW
Prospect Street, Cambridge
