The rise of COVID-19 during an election year has introduced an unprecedented political crisis. In the midst of lock-downs and shelter-in-place orders we are still expected to carry out our constitutional duties of voting, not doing so would be unprecedented. Especially in these tumultuous times, voting is more imperative than ever. It is vital to do so with minimal disruptions in the face of this global pandemic.

This is why I am calling upon the Massachusetts legislature as well as the legislative bodies of other states to enact measures that will allow for drive-through polling where possible to ensure that citizens are able to vote in a safe, secure and consistent manner. Going directly to the polls would introduce a risk that could have an effect on voting turnout and demographics, providing an alternative such as this would mitigate that risk without exposing us to security issues as is the case for other initiatives like mail-in or online voting.

This is something that is absolutely necessary to maintain the legitimacy of our electoral process and to make sure that the voice of the American people is heard, even in these times of crisis.