Massachusetts Senate approves compromise voting rights bill
The Massachusetts State Senate has approved a voting rights bill that would expand early voting opportunities and access to mail-in ballots, but would not allow for voters to register on election day. The bill is a compromise of pieces of legislation that were previously considered by Massachusetts legislators. Some critics have voiced doubts about the bill’s constitutionality. The bill will be considered next by the Massachusetts House of Representatives and then Governor Charlie Baker. Visit Boston.com to learn moreImage Credit: King of Hearts(CC BY-SA 4.0)
Worcester, minority residents settle voting rights lawsuit
The city of Worcestor and a coalition of its Black and Latino Residents have agreed to a settlement over a lawsuit which charged that the city’s method for electing school committee members diluted the Black and Latino vote. Although more than half of Worcestor’s students identify as Black or Latino, every member of the school board is currently white. The suit alleged that the city’s at-large electoral system discriminated against populations of color and violated federal law. Visit Boston.com to learn more. Image Credit: John Phelan (CC