The task force was created as part of an election reform
bill that passed the Legislature last spring, which expands access to early
voting beginning in 2016 and allows for 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to
vote. In addition to studying the costs
and administrative requirements associated with implementing early voting in
Massachusetts, the task force will also look at ways to reduce wait times at
polling locations on election day, violations of laws prohibiting fraudulent
voting and voter impersonation, same-day voter registration, and the
feasibility of utilizing expanded technology, including election day mobile
alerts, computer automated auditing, electronic transferring of absentee
ballots and online voting.
“Representative Dooley has a clear understanding of the
relevant issues the task force will be looking at, having served on the conference
committee that reconciled the differences between the House and Senate versions
of the election reform bill last session,” said Representative Jones. “Combined with his background and experience
as a certified municipal clerk, he is well-qualified to help craft
recommendations that will expand access to voting while also ensuring that
appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent voter fraud.”
“I am honored to have been appointed to the Elections Task Force. It is great to be able to continue with the
work I started while serving on last session’s election law conference
committee. Voting is one of the most
important tools of our democracy and being able to make sure that right is
safeguarded is a role that I am excited to take on,” said Representative
Dooley. “I am fortunate to have served
as a Town Clerk and have proposed several bills this session which will help
ensure our citizens’ voices are heard while aligning with the mission of this
task force.”
The task force is scheduled to submit its report and
recommendations to the Legislature on or before August 1, 2017.
Representative Dooley represents the Ninth Norfolk District, which is comprised of the
towns of Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, Medfield, Millis and Walpole. He previously served as the Norfolk Town
Clerk and as the Chairman of the Norfolk School Committee before winning a
special election in January of 2014.
