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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a budget bill on Thursday that extends voting reforms put in place during the pandemic.
The bill, a supplemental budget bill worth more than $261 million, included an extension on no-excuse mail-in voting, as well as expanded in-person early voting until December 15.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin lauded the step, saying "We think this will empower many voter who otherwise may have issues, particularly with the rising concerns again about COVID, to participate in these elections."
Voters can ask for a mail-in ballot in municipal elections this summer and fall — including Boston's mayoral primary and election.
Galvin said he's pushing for the State Legislature to make the changes permanent.
Also included in the bill were significant funding for police reform, and a rules for a new MBTA board that will replace the agency's Fiscal and Management Control Board.
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Written by Chaiel Schaffel