Question 4: Election Day Registration

BALLOT LANGUAGE

This proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on Election Day.  

An individual who is eligible to vote could register to vote on Election Day by going to the polling place in the precinct where they live during voting hours and presenting proof of residency and signing a written oath. Proof of residency could be a valid photo identification, or documentation showing the individual’s name and the address where the individual resides, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, residential lease, wireless telephone statement, paycheck, current student fee statement or other document from a post-secondary school, or another government document or correspondence. The written oath would require the individual to certify that they are a citizen of the United States, are at least 18 years old, are not legally prohibited from voting, and have not and will not vote in the same election at another location. The oath would require the individual to acknowledge that providing false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.  

If an individual did not present proof of residency, they would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted only if the individual returned to provide the required information before the close of polls for a municipal election; within two days after a state primary; or within six days after a state election.  

Individuals who register to vote on Election Day would be registered to vote in future elections as well as in the election taking place that day.  

Individuals who are already registered to vote would not be able to change their political party affiliation on Election Day.  

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

ENDORSEMENTS

Yes

American Federation of Teachers AFT Massachusetts (Liberal)

Progressive Massachusetts (Liberal)

Massachusetts Democratic Party (Liberal)

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 Boston (Liberal)

Massachusetts League of Women Voters (Liberal)

No

American Family Association (Conservative)

Massachusetts Republican Party (Conservative)

FINANCIAL BACKING

The following information provides insight into the money being spent to pass or defeat the ballot measure.

Yes

MASSACHUSETTS QUESTION 4, PERMIT SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION INITIATIVE (2026)

This question is on the ballot in Massachusetts as an indirect initiated state statute on November 3, 2026.

Committees formed to SUPPORT the "Permit Same-Day Voter Registration Initiative (2026)" are:

YES ON ELECTION DAY VOTER REGISTRATION

Selected Contributions TO: "Yes on Election Day Voter Registration" include:

  • William F. Galvin Committee
  • SEIU
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters
  • MA & Northern NE Laborers' District Council
  • Robert Rivers
  • AFSCME Council 93
  • American Federation of Teachers MA PAC
  • Katherine Clark Committee
  • North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters PAC
  • Richard E. Neal for Congress Committee

VOTE YES ON 4 ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION

Selected Contributions TO: "Vote Yes on 4 Election Day Registration" include:

  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Common Cause Massachusetts
  • Massvote
  • Warren for Senate, Inc.
  • Progressive Massachusetts
  • League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts Voter Table
  • SEIU 509
  • AFT Massachusetts
  • Worcester Interfaith, Inc.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS FOR A FAIR MASSACHUSETTS

Selected Contributions TO: "Democratic Socialists for a Fair Massachusetts" include:

  • James Del Bonis

No

MASSACHUSETTS QUESTION 4, PERMIT SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION INITIATIVE (2026)

This question is on the ballot in Massachusetts as an indirect initiated state statute on November 3, 2026.  As of October 6, 2026, no committee to OPPOSE the amendment has been identified.  Thus, there is no record of funds raised to oppose Question 4.

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