State considering election audits

The next major election in Massachusetts is in 2026, and lawmakers are preparing by considering strengthening election laws. Some lawmakers have bills that would require voters to show photo ID at polling places. 22 News Statehouse reporter Olivia Ray has the changes these lawmakers are looking at. A Statehouse committee dealing with the Bay State's election laws held a hearing on Tuesday, opening the floor for the public's opinions on the proposals they're considering. Committees on Beacon Hill are responsible for researching proposed bills and hearing from any Massachusetts residents who want to make their voices heard before reporting out to the rest of the lawmakers whether they find the bill favorable or unfavorable. Testimony was sparse in this hearing, both from elected officials and stakeholders. Those who did testify spoke in support of a working group that would figure out how Massachusetts could implement voting audits to ensure our results are accurate. Often the biggest question on voters' minds is, did the reported winner really get the most votes? Reliable access to audit records for a reasonable period of time strengthens public confidence in the accuracy of election outcomes. Massachusetts would be the 12th state to require such an audit, joining our neighbors in Connecticut and Maine. Other bills open for testimony at this hearing included requiring photo IDs to vote and strengthened security for unattended ballot boxes, among other bills. But no one testified for or against any. Under the legislature's new rules, lawmakers will need to report out on House bills within 60 days and on Senate bills by the first week of December. Working for you from the Statehouse in Boston, I'm Olivia Rae, 22 News.