For Massachusetts residents, registering to vote could become a same-day process.

Question 4 would allow eligible voters to register and cast their ballots on Election Day, even if they missed the voter registration deadline. Voters will also be able to update their registration address on Election Day.

Right now, Massachusetts voters generally have to register at least 10 days before an election.

If voters approve Question 4 on Nov. 3, the change would take effect January 1, 2028.

The requirements for voting would not change. A person would still have to meet the same eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age.

Supporters say the biggest benefit is that it gives more eligible voters a chance to participate. 

Secretary of State Bill Galvin first advocated for the policy and proposed legislation to implement same-day voter registration in 2018. However, the push to allow Massachusetts residents to vote on Election Day has been underway since 2008.

“Every single election year, thousands of voters in Massachusetts turn up to cast their ballot and are turned away,” said Celia Canavan, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and committee member for the Yes on 4 campaign. “So with Election Day registration, this is a really simple reform that’ll have a huge impact on not only voter turnout but voter confidence.” The League of Women of Voters of Massachusetts is among the organizations supporting Question 4. 

Recent efforts have focused on addressing practical barriers to voting such as name changes, work and child care responsibilities, and transportation to polling locations.

All the other New England states except Rhode Island already allow some form of same-day voter registration.

However, David Koffman, senior executive and legislative director for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, has raised concerns about what same-day registration could mean for election workers.

Koffman is quoted as saying on Ballotpedia: “The proposal to provide election-day voter registration through a statewide ballot question raises serious operational concerns and questions for the very people responsible for carrying out elections.”

Registering voters is normally handled before Election Day, giving officials time to review the information. With same-day registration, election workers would have to handle registration and verification while also helping people cast their ballots.

That could mean more work for local election officials and potentially longer lines or wait times at polling places. There could also be additional costs for staffing, technology and training.

While the change could make it easier for some people to vote, it could also mean more work for election officials during an already busy Election Day.

****

This story is part of a partnership between the Newton Beacon and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program.