Rep. Crocker Supports Effort to Reimburse Cities and Towns for Early Voting Costs

Will Crocker

BARNSTABLE – Second Barnstable State Representative Will Crocker is backing a proposal to reimburse cities and towns for the costs associated with the implementation of the state’s early voting law during the November 2016 state election cycle.

The proposal was adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives as an amendment to the $123.2 million final deficiency supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2017.

A vote by the state Senate is still required before the measure can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature.

“The introduction of early voting in Massachusetts required a significant investment of time and resources by our cities and towns,” said Crocker. “This reimbursement will help those budgets that were strained while implementing early voting.”

In February, State Auditor Suzanne Bump ruled that some of the expenses incurred by municipalities to implement the early voting law constituted an unfunded mandate, and suggested these costs should be borne by the Commonwealth.

The legislation sets aside over $485,000 to reimburse cities and towns for the costs.

Municipalities will have until December 31^st to apply for the funding.

The spending bill now moves to the Senate for further action.