By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would establish uniform polling hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for elections in which regional school districts ask voters to incur debt.

Supporters said that under current law, regional school district committees have discretion to set polling hours anywhere between four and eight consecutive hours, which can result in reduced voter access compared to standard municipal and state elections.

They noted that this inconsistency was evident during a recent special election for the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School’s $317 million new building project where polls were open only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—providing just seven hours of voting time compared to the standard 13-hour window used in most municipal and state elections.

“This bill simply makes voting easier and fairer by setting uniform polling hours … when regional school districts ask voters to incur debt for major projects, such as renovations or new buildings, ensuring every voter has the same opportunity to participate, no matter where they live,” said sponsor Rep. Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn). “This extended 13-hour polling window is designed to accommodate voters with diverse work schedules, family obligations and other commitments, ensuring all residents have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their regional schools.”