Mayor Michael Sullivan of Lawrence blasted the state proposal to allow same day voter registration, saying that it invited fraud and was “ridiculous”. Sullivan’s comments are in todays Tribune, and highlighted another issue of concern to cities and towns, and that is responsibility for cost. From the Tribune:

“This would open the floodgates for potential fraud in cities and towns where it might be an issue,” Sullivan said yesterday. “This is the most ridiculous proposal I’ve heard when it comes to voting in my seven years (as mayor).”

Sullivan also highlighted the potential for increased costs to cities and towns.

Sullivan said letting people sign up to vote on Election Day would be problematic for town and city clerks and possibly create a major expense for communities needing to verify voters’ identity.

“(They’re) saying, ‘Bring in the fraud and put the burden and expense on cities and towns to sort out after the election,'” Sullivan said.

Senator Sue Tucker of Andover also has cost concerns.

The bill requires all precincts to be equipped by 2010 to register voters on Election Day. Tucker said she’s worried communities will be overwhelmed.

“I’m concerned about any new costs for cities and towns,” Tucker said.

The bill sponsor, Sen. Edward Augustus (d) Worcester, dismissed the potential for fraud, citing states where similar laws have been sucessfully implemented.

Five states, including Maine and New Hampshire, allow same-day registration.

“I never hear of New Hampshire being a hotbed of voter fraud,” Augustus said.

Augustus also points to the obvious benefit of the bill, which is increased voter participation.

“The only thing that increases is voter participation.”

Augustus pointed to studies showing as many as 220,000 more people would vote if they could register at the polls.

The Tribune story points to a requirement that all communities be required to be equipped by 2010 to implement the law, although I did not see that verbiage in the legislation, which I have posted below. I do agree that increased voter participation is desirable, and I do not share the anxiety over voter fraud that Mayor Sullivan has pointed to. I do strongly object however to any provision in this law that would increase costs for cities and towns. Unfunded mandates are supposed to be illegal. If there are increased costs on cities and towns due to this law we stand ready to implement once the state covers those increased costs. If Beacon Hill wants to increase the costs of local government then I simply say to them. “send the money”. Cost shifting to property tax payers must end.

Read the Tribune story here.

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