An Act establishing an early electronic voting option for municipal elections

This Massachusetts bill allows municipalities to offer early electronic voting for local elections like primaries and town meetings. To implement this, a city or town council must first vote to approve the option after receiving a recommendation from at least half of the local registrars, and the voting period must start no earlier than 17 days before the election. Eligible voters would apply for an early electronic ballot, receive secure access to a state-approved online system, and cast their vote electronically during business hours. The bill requires that the electronic system protect voter privacy, allow for electronic or wet signatures, and include clear instructions for submitting the ballot. Additionally, the state secretary is tasked with creating specific regulations to oversee the implementation of this new voting method within four months of the law taking effect.