20.051 A Resolution in Support of Expanded Absentee Voting and Vote by Mail - CertifiedIn the Year Two Thousand and Twenty
Upon the recommendation of Councilor Michael Quinlan, Jr. and Councilor Gina-Louise Sciarra.
R-20.051 A RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF EXPANDED ABSENTEE VOTING AND VOTE BY MAIL
WHEREAS, voting is a fundamental right and a foundational principle of democracy.
WHEREAS, during the Covid-19 global pandemic a strategy that has proven effective for
protecting communities by slowing the spread of the virus is the practice of social distancing and
limiting congregating in groups.
WHEREAS, the Massachusetts state primary is September 1, 2020 and the general election is
November 3, 2020 and it is unknown if at that time gathering in groups, which is necessary for
voting at polls, will be permitted, advisable or if citizens will feel safe exercising their right with
in-person voting.
WHEREAS, healthy ballot access is essential to our democratic process, and also to our
community health and safety. Every voter in the Commonwealth should be able to exercise their
right to vote safely, without fear and without putting their and other’s health and the health of
their community at risk.
WHEREAS, vote by mail is a proven voting method which has increased voter access and
participation without vote loss or voter fraud. Currently, five states vote almost exclusively by
mail: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington. 28 states have “no excuse,” or “no
fault,” mail or absentee balloting. In response to COVID-19, more states are converting
upcoming elections to vote by mail to ensure healthy ballot access, including New York, New
Hampshire and Maryland.
WHEREAS, Bills S.2654 in the State Senate and HD.5026 in the State House, “An Act
establishing vote by mail in 2020,” seeks to establish vote by mail in Massachusetts.
WHEREAS, for the September primary and November general elections, the Secretary of the
Commonwealth has expanded eligibility for applying for absentee voting. H.4623, sponsored by
Representative Paul Mark and Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, would further expand
absentee voting to all that apply to vote absentee.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northampton City Council asks the
Massachusetts Legislature to act with urgency to pass H.4623 to allow absentee voting for all in
the upcoming 2020 elections.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Northampton City Council asks the Legislature to pass
Senate Bill 2654 and House Docket Bill 5026 to establish a vote by mail program in the
Commonwealth for all future elections.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Administrative Assistant to the City Council shall
cause a copy of this resolution to be sent to the state sponsors of the Act, Senator Rebecca L.
Rausch and Representatives Adrian C. Madaro; Chairs of the Joint Committee on Election
Laws, Senator Barry R. Finegold and Representative John J. Lawn, Jr.; State Representative
Lindsay Sabadosa; State Representative Paul W. Mark, State Senator Jo Comerford; House
Speaker Robert DeLeo; Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of the Commonwealth
William F. Galvin and Governor Charles Baker.
20.051
In City Council, May 7, 2020
Passed First Reading on Roll Call Vote of 9 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent
Attest: __________________________________________________, Clerk of Council
In City Council, May 7, 2020
Passed Second Reading on Roll Call Vote of 8 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent (Councilor Foster absent from vote)
Attest: ___________________________________________________, Clerk of Council
Approved: David J. Narkewicz, Mayor
Rules suspended, passed two readings and enrolled.
I hereby certify that the above Resolution passed the Northampton City Council on May 7, 2020
David J. Narkewicz, Mayor approved the Resolution on May 8, 2020
Attest: ___________________________________________________, Clerk of Council