A bill introduced by Democratic state Sen. Erin Lynch of Warwick would allow voters to cast a ballot up to 21 days ahead of an election at locations chosen by local election officials. RI should follow the lead of Maine, Vermont, and 30 other states and allow early voting to reduce poll waiting times and encourage more voter participation.
Why is this important?
As a long-time voter in RI I have often spent hours standing in lines at polling places. Now a retiree, it's not that hard on me but for working people who must take time off a job or spend a lot of time at night, this bill would prompt many more to vote. It's time for our state to join the increasing number of states allowing early voting.
