As Election Day approaches, it’s a good time to think about what we can be doing to increase participation in the democratic process.

One reform before the Legislature this session which would do just that is Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). 15% of eligible residents – nearly 700,000 potential voters – are not currently registered to vote, and their voices deserve to be heard.

In short, AVR (H.2091/S.373) would require that every eligible citizen who interacts with the Registry of Motor Vehicles or other agency covered by the “motor voter” law be automatically registered to vote, unless they request not to be.  In other words, it moves the system from opt-in, to the far more efficient opt-out.  AVR would save many people from having to take time off from work in order to go register at the Town Clerk’s office. If you’re renewing your driver’s license at the RMV or letting them know that your address has changed, your voter registration will be updated as well. AVR would reduce bureaucracy, increase the accuracy of the voter rolls, and save cities and towns money. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Ten other states and the District of Columbia have adopted AVR, including our neighbors of Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.   We have a great opportunity to join them.  Bedford is lucky to have a state representative, Ken Gordon, and a state senator, Mike Barrett, who are supporters of AVR. We are thankful for their leadership.  Both are on the Joint Committee on Election Laws as well, so they are well-positioned to bring their colleagues on board with this vital reform.  You can reach the Joint Committee on Election Laws at 617-722-1540 (Senate contact) and 617-722-2460 (House contact) to let them know that you support AVR.

Massachusetts has always played a key role in advancing American democracy. Let’s continue that legacy.