The new law means Massachusetts joins other states — including Michigan, Nevada, California, New Hampshire and Wisconsin — in moving to make it easier for more people to vote by mail as coronavirus infection numbers climb and states are forced to look ahead to the November election.
Additionally, the state has made applications to vote by mail available via download.
In 2016 and 2018, about 25% of US voters cast ballots by mail, which includes the handful of states that conduct elections entirely by mail and traditional absentee ballots.
Before the Massachusetts bill was signed, people in the state were able to cast their ballots by mail only if absences, physical disabilities or religious beliefs prevented them from voting at their polling places. Now voters are able to send their ballots via envelope without needing excuses.
For some states, the expansion of voting by mail has been an uphill battle. In Texas, the Democratic Party’s efforts have been challenged up to the Supreme Court, which has denied a request from the party to expedite the case, making it highly unlikely that the issue will be decided in time for the November election.
Source : CNN
