THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 19, 2020 Page 7 House passes bill to provide voting options during pandemic O n June 4, State Representative Joseph McGonagle joined his colleagues in the House to pass legislation that will allow a number of voting options, including early voting by mail, in the midst of COVID-19. An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19 aims to facilitate several options for voters confronting health risks due to the Coronavirus. Under the provisions of the bill, voters can elect to vote by mail, submit an absentee ballot, vote early in person or vote on Election Day with public health safeguards in place. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges and forced us to adapt the way we normally operate,” said McGonagle. “To ensure that voting can be safe and accessible for all, it was essential that this bill was passed and I’m very grateful for the bipartisan collaboration. I think House leadership has done a great job prioritizing the issues.” The bill to expand voting options in response to COVID-19 has the following provisions: Early voting by mail application lot in the mail, secure drop box or in person Absentee voting • Provides for absentee votJoseph McGonagle State Representative • Requires the Secretary of State to mail all registered voters an application to vote early by mail in advance of the primary and general elections (by July 15 for the primary and September 14 for the general) • Asks voters to apply by seven days prior to the primary and general elections • Allows for electronic signature and submission of applications Early voting by mail • Requires the city or town clerk to mail an early voting by mail ballot and an envelope with return postage prepaid to voters who apply • Allows voters to return their early voting by mail balCaring for you in your neighborhood― it’s what we do best Dental care at no cost to you $305 towards eyeglass frames YMCA membership or $55 per month for gym membership We speak your language Join today! Call 1-888-566-3526 (TTY 711) www.seniorwholehealth.com/SNP Senior Whole Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Senior Whole Health (HMO SNP) and Senior Whole Health NHC (HMO SNP) are Coordinated Care Plans with a Medicare Advantage contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/ EOHHS MassHealth program. Enrollment depends on annual contract renewal. H2224_2019_77906_M Accepted 9/24/2019 *Limitations may apply Nurse Care Manager to coordinate your care Up to $400 a year for health-related items Transportation to and from your doctor appointments* ing by any person taking precaution related to COVID-19 • Allows electronic signature and submission of absentee voting applications In person voting public health safeguards • Requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, to promulgate emergency regulations requiring public health safeguards for in person voting, including social distancing of voters and election officers, face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), frequent use of sanitizer, and sanitary use of marking pens Early voting in person • Provides for seven days of in person early voting in the primary election, from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28, including one weekend – and 14 days of in person early voting in the general election, from Saturday, October 17 to Friday, October 30, including two weekends Election Day VOTING | SEE PAGE 8 QUARANTINES NOT LOOKING SO BAD!
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