Election law reform - Senator Cindy Friedman

Senator Friedman has sponsored the following bills relative to election law reform in the 2019-2020 legislative session:

Summary: This bill would remove barriers to political contributions by low-wage workers through a system of universal voluntary payroll deduction. It would further enable employees, even if they do not have a bank account, to make regular small voluntary contributions via payroll deductions to 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organizations and Political Action Committees (PACs).

Summary: This bill would create a new disclosure requirement for all state public employees who hold a major policy-making position, all state public office holders and all candidates for state public office. They would be required to report any gift of substantial value that they (or an immediate family member(s)) have given in connection with a matter within their official responsibilities. It would also prohibit any officer or employee of a state, county, or municipal agency from giving the appearance of undue influence or favoritism by contributing an undisclosed gift of substantial value in connection with a matter within the officer or employee’s official responsibilities.

Senator Friedman has co-sponsored the following bills relative to election law reform in the 2019-2020 legislative session:

Summary: This bill would propose a legislative amendment to the United States Constitution that affirms corporations are not people and money is not speech – thereby allowing the General Court regulatory authority over corporate campaign contributions.

Summary: Going back at least 38 years, every major party candidate for President of the United States has released his or her tax returns. This honorable tradition ended with the 2016 election. Under this legislation, a presidential candidate who does not submit tax returns or a Statement of Financial Interests would be ineligible to appear on the relevant Massachusetts primary or general election ballot.

Summary: This bill would allow for early voting in the Massachusetts 2020 presidential primary election.

Summary: This bill would allow otherwise eligible individuals to register to vote on the day of a general or primary election, or during an early voting period, provided that the individual complies with the identification and residency requirements.

Summary: Many working parents are discouraged from running for public office because of financial reasons. This bill would clarify that child care expenses for times while campaigning are not considered personal expenses.

Summary: This legislation would implement ranked choice voting for all state and federal elections (except for President).

Summary: This bill would permit municipalities to conduct local elections using ranked choice voting.