Hearings for important election bills are scheduled as follows:
Today, July 20:
Massachusetts
- Preregistration bill, HB 683 is scheduled to be heard a third time in the House. This bill allows a person who is otherwise qualified to preregister to vote at the age of 16 and a half. The pre-registrant would not be eligible to vote until he or she turns 18.
- Voter ID bill, HB 663 is scheduled to be heard a third time in the House. This bill amends the section of Massachusetts code relating to the requirements for a voter wishing to participate in a federal election who originally registered by mail. Currently, voters are required to present identification if 1) the voter had registered to vote by mail after Jan. 1, 2003 and 2) had not voted in a election for federal office in MA. This bill amends that by saying that the a voter would be required to present identification if 1) they registered after Jan. 1, 2003 and 2) had not previously voted in a primary, caucus, preliminary or other election in the state. Essentially, this bill expands the requirement for presenting ID for those voters who had registered by mail to not just the ones who have yet to vote in a federal election, but now to all voters who have not voted in any state or federal primary, caucus or general election.