City’s Election Commission survey eyes ID requirements, voter communication

The Revere Election Commission Department has been running an online survey on the city’s Let’s engage, Revere web page, to gather information and opinions from residents about their experiences voting.

According to the department, “There were many challenges over the past two years with both the pandemic and the unusual number of special elections.”

While most of the comments left online have been kind, there have been some observations and complaints that raise eyebrows.

Many residents who took advantage of the survey felt strongly that a valid form of identification should be required in order to vote. For local elections, a common complaint was the lack of signs and information about polling locations, particularly when there have been changes.

“I think maybe every household should get a notice where and when they vote on elections coming up. It may be costly but worth it in the end. Too much is at stake right now.,” said one Revere resident.

Another complaint left by several different voters focused on allowing candidates to mill around the entrance of polling places. In Massachusetts, candidates and their sign-holding supporters must be 150 from the entrance of polls.

One respondent, who claimed to be a former candidate, leveled a more serious complaint against the city’s election division.

“As a former candidate of color, the racism I faced from the past election commissioner and her implicit bias was unacceptable, and I know it is this continued implicit bias from the election department that has kept many people of color from running for office,” read that comment.

But other residents said voting in Revere worked well and they experienced no problems on election day.

“Generally, polling is quite good in my experience in this city. Quick and easy,” wrote one voter.

The election Department page on the city’s website is loaded with information to answer most questions about polls, political parties, ballot questions, election results and links for forms for absentee ballots in English and Spanish, and poll worker job applications. And for those who can’t find what they need there are phone numbers.

To participate in the election survey, go to https://publicinput.com/hub/1096