Amendment #23, as changed to H4768

Safeguarding equity and access when making changes to polling places

Mr. González of Springfield moves to amend the bill by striking out section 11 in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

SECTION 11. Notwithstanding section 24 of chapter 54 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the select board, board of selectmen, town council or city council may vote to change any polling place to be used at the primary election or the general election at least 15 days prior to the date of the primary election or general election if it is determined that the public convenience or public health would be better served. If the select board, board of selectmen, town council or city council determines that the public convenience or public health would be better served, they may house all polling places in a single building within the municipality, if such building is suitably equipped. In cities, the city council may designate polling places in non-adjacent precincts if they determine the public convenience or public health would be better served. In making a decision to change a polling place, the select board, board of selectmen, town council or city council shall evaluate and report on whether such change would have a disparate impact on access to the polling place on the basis of race, national origin, disability, income or age, and no later than 3 days prior to changing a polling place, shall make publically available on its website and at the office of the town or city clerk a report on its evaluation. When the polling places have been designated pursuant to this section, the board of registrars shall post on the municipal website and at other such places as it may determine, a description of the polling places and shall notify voters by using an electronic means, to the extent available, such as via email or reverse 911 call.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #23, as changed to H4768

Safeguarding equity and access when making changes to polling places