“Today’s debate on critical voting rights legislation has been a long time coming; it’s a testament to the enormous effort and energy of activists and advocates across the state who have pushed for these vital changes. Massachusetts should be a leader on voting rights and access, and it’s incumbent on House lawmakers to pass a comprehensive VOTES Act, including same day registration. Failing to do so would be a deep disservice to the people of Massachusetts, and would preserve artificial barriers to participation in our democracy. Advancing voting rights demands that we tear down barriers – not maintain them – and I urge the house to adopt amendments 5, 11, and 40 to H. 4359 to codify same day registration.”