November 8, 2022

With our community partners, Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) is spearheading non-partisan Election Protection efforts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. We are ensuring that all eligible voters have the information and resources necessary to cast their ballot.

 

As the day progresses, we are seeing a relatively smooth Election Day. Nationally, the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) has received approximately 1000 inquiries. 

 

In New England, we have received approximately 75 inquiries since polling sites opened. The majority of the inquiries are coming from Massachusetts. All inquiries are being addressed in real-time by pro bono attorneys and volunteers. 

 

In Massachusetts, the following issues have emerged, which we are addressing in real-time with State officials:

Voter ID
We are receiving reports of city clerks posting signs requiring an ID to vote. In these jurisdictions, including New Braintree, poll workers are asking for IDs. A similar concern was raised at a polling site at 105 Jersey Street in Boston, where at least one law enforcement is asking for IDs. 

 

Broken Machines 
We are receiving reports of broken machines and related equipment across multiple polling sites. For example, a broken machine was reported in Florian Hall in Boston. We have also received similar reports from New Bedford. Voters have expressed concern about how ballots are being handled with broken machines and/or equipment.

 

Volunteers Being Harassed: Election Protection Interference 
Some of our non-partisan Election Protection volunteers have been improperly escorted away from polling locations, often by law enforcement officials. For example, in New Bedford, police asked at least one Election Protection volunteer to leave a polling site. 

 

Confusion Surrounding Mail-In Ballots
Across multiple jurisdictions, including Norfolk County, handling of vote-by-mail ballots continues to create significant confusion on the ground. People who requested but did not vote by mail-in ballots are improperly being blocked from voting in person in certain polling sites. We are working closely with State officials to ensure that all of these individuals -- who are entitled to vote in person using a regular ballot -- can exercise their right to vote today. 

 

Turning to New Hampshire, we are receiving enthusiastic reports from residents who are overjoyed that they can register to vote and cast their ballot on Election Day. This demonstrates the effectiveness of same-day voter registration. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts we are receiving calls from residents who are deeply frustrated and confused about the lack of same-day voter registration.