Baker Signs Bill Extending Mail-In, Early Voting In Massachusetts

BOSTON (CBS) -- Gov. Charlie Baker has signed a bill extending early and mail-in voting practices in Massachusetts, adopted during the pandemic, through the end of 2021.

A spokesman for the governor confirmed that he signed a supplemental budget including "a section extending expanded early voting and no-excuse mail-in voting until December 15, 2021."

The state elections division has updated its website to include applications to apply for a mail-in ballot in fall city elections.

Cities and towns would be able to opt out of mail-in voting for local elections if they choose.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin last month told legislative leaders that "urgent action" was needed to preserve mail-in voting, which was adopted in Massachusetts for the first time in 2020 during the pandemic.