Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that allows eligible individuals to register to vote on the day of a state election at his or her polling place while it is open for voting and proceed to vote in that election.

Highlights:

- Requires voters to submit proof of residency to election officials at the polling place, including, but not limited to, a state-issued photo identification card, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student fee statement, or other government document demonstrating residency (Sec. 6). - Specifies that provisions of this Act do not apply to an individual registering to vote for the purpose of voting at an annual or special town meeting, annual or special town election, regular or special preliminary election, or regular or special municipal election (Sec. 6). - Prohibits voters from re-registering on the day of an election for the exclusive purpose of altering their party affiliation (Sec. 6). - Establishes an advisory committee to study the resources and costs necessary to implement election day registration and submit a report to the Joint Committee on Election Laws and the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means by June 30, 2011. The committee shall consist of the following, or an appropriate designee thereof (Sec. 7):

- Secretary of State (chair of the committee); - Attorney General; - House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Election Laws; - Two representatives of the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, including one from a town of under 5,000 residents; and - Two representatives of the Massachusetts City Clerks Association.

- Allows for election day registration on November 4, 2008, provided that such registration occurs at the office of the registrars of voters in the city or town in which that individual resides. However, cities with more than 150,000 residents are permitted to add locations for election day registration, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State (Sec. 8). - Senator Panagiotakos sponsored this bill on behalf of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Full Bill Text