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Massachusetts Governor To Sign Early Voting Bill

cleOpatra via Flickr CC

Gov. Deval Patrick is preparing to sign a bill that would allow early voting up to 11 days before Election Day, making Massachusetts the 33rd state to allow early voting.

The bill would also allow online voter registration and let 16- and 17-year-olds pre-register to vote.

A final compromise version of the bill has been approved by the Massachusetts House and Senate and shipped to Patrick for his signature.

The legislation would also create an online portal to check voter registration status and allow postelection audits of randomly selected precincts after presidential elections.

Supporters say early voting helps citizens better fit voting into busy schedules. Voting rights groups also say online registration will encourage more people to register.

Patrick is planning to sign the bill Thursday afternoon at the Statehouse.

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