The Elly Report: State Committee

Voter Registration

To achieve the electoral successes we all hope for it is necessary for the Republican Party in Massachusetts as an organization to implement a program to register new republican leaning voters, identify likely republican voters and then get those folks out to the polls on Election Day. The Republican National Committee and President Bush's campaign used this strategy successfully in battleground states in 2004 and Governor Romney's campaign used a similar strategy in 2002. These programs work and we need to adopt them at the grassroots level in Massachusetts if we want to achieve success as a Party.

While we began to implement this type of campaigning during our legislative races in 2004 we have a lot of work to do to institutionalize this approach at the grassroots level statewide. RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman has recently outlined a plan for State Party's nationwide that is focused on specific goals for voter registration and voter identification. The program Chairman Mehlman designed is effective and we have a tremendous opportunity to implement it in Massachusetts and make a direct impact on the direction of our party.

To achieve the goals the RNC has set for us we must continue to build our grassroots organizations at the county and town level, recruit and train more activists and execute voter contact programs across the Commonwealth.

Successful State Party's across the country have strong county organizations that work within the framework of the State Party. We will be working with the existing county clubs in Massachusetts in the coming months to strengthen their organizations and integrate them into the State Party structure. In areas where there are no county organizations we will look to build one and will need your help. Together, we need to formulate and execute a plan at all levels of our party to accomplish the goals I've described.

How Voter Registration Works
There are roughly 36 million Americans nationwide and tens of thousands in Massachusetts who are eligible to vote but are currently not registered. Our mission as a party is to register those individuals who aren't currently registered but would be likely to vote Republican if they were. The RNC has developed a voter registration model that uses consumer data to identify who these folks are. They will be providing us with a list that includes their names, addresses and phone numbers so we can contact them and get them registered. Rather than having a registration booth at a town fair and hope folks stop by we can go directly to the individual's door with a voter registration card, give them a call or send them a registration card in the mail. This is a highly targeted and effective way to increase our Republican base in Massachusetts.

While it would be great to get Unenrolled voters to join the Republican Party, that is not our focus. To make the most impact we need to concentrate on getting those unregistered voters who would likely vote for our candidates to register and then get them out to vote on Election Day.

Implementing this program of door to door, phone banking and mailings will require a strong local organization in every county and that will be our immediate priority. In the coming months you will be asked to get involved with you County Club and I urge you to do so.

Voter Registration Requirements

Who may register to vote?
Any citizen of the United States who is a Massachusetts resident and who will be 18 years old by Election Day may register to vote. Students from other states are also eligible to register to vote in Massachusetts. Once the student registers in Massachusetts, a notice of registration is mailed to the election officials of the student's former home. Students should check with their financial aid office for any effect on financial aid.

How often must I register?
Just once. Registration is permanent in Massachusetts. You need register again only if you:

Move to another city or town.
Change your name.
If you move within your community, notify your registrars of voting in writing.

When and where may I register?
There is no waiting period to be eligible to register. If you move, you may register to vote as soon as you move into your new home. Most city or town clerks or election commissions will register you in your city or town hall during regular business hours and during special registration sessions before elections. Call your city or town clerk or election commission for specific times and places in your community. Students may register at their local high school. Massachusetts voters can also choose to register when they apply for a new driver's license.

Are there registration deadlines?
Yes. Registration is closed for a brief period before each election to allow election officials time to prepare the voting lists. Closings occur 20 days before all primaries and elections and/or 10 days before special town meetings.

If you register during a "closed" period, you will be eligible to vote only in later elections.

How do I register?
Go to one of your local registration places and complete an affidavit of registration, which must be answered truthfully under penalty of perjury. The questions on the affidavit will include your name, residence and date of birth.

Upon registration, your name, address and party preference will be added to the voting list of your city or town. This list is used on Election Day to identify and check off the names of registered voters when they come to the polling place to vote.

How do I register if I am physically disabled?
Write to your local registrars of voters to request an application, fill it in and return it so that your application is received no less than three days before the close of registration for the election. Two registration officers will come to your residence, rest home or hospital and register you, if you cannot go out and register.

Helpful Resources

Instructions and requirements for voting and to request a voter registration form go to the Secretary of State's website: www.state.ma.us/sec

For further information, contact the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's Office. One Ashburton Place, Room 1705, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 727-2828.

You will be hearing more about voter registration, voter identification and GOTV in the coming months. We will be focusing on building and integrating our county clubs over the course of the summer and in the fall hope to begin executing a plan that will take us through the 2006 election.

Please contact your State Committee members or myself if you have any questions about voter registration or anything else.