For the first time, we can vote early

with his back to the camera, right in front of me in line.

for the average voter, then can somebody explain why the individual communities, and not the state, are allowed to dictate what the early voting hours are. Because of this, the early voting hours vary widely, and in nearly all communities are MORE restrictive than the normal polling hours on Election Day are.

At the initial check in table the woman said my name was at the top. "You must vote often." Yes I do, every election. So to be able to vote at a time other than on election day is for me a big improvement. The line was a bit longer than at my regular voting station. But it was well worth since I was already in the area and the line moved quickly.

This is one change to a public system that I welcome whole heartedly. The process was clear, well put together and moved with easily without fuss or muss.

Everyone involved deserves much praise.

Secret Ballot but with Voter's Name on Voting Envelope. [Thinks: Blind Volunteers, Blind Poll Workers, Blindfolded folks open Voters' Envelopes.]

________________________________________
EV7 Commonwealth of Massachusetts
EARLY BALLOT ENVELOPE

For Election Official use only.
Ward/Precinct: __________
Location: __________

Under the penalties of perjury, I swear (or affirm) that I am a registered voter in Massachusetts at the address below, that I will not cast a ballot in any other city or town or voting location, and that the information below is true.
Signature: __________ Date: __________
Printed Name: __________
Address at which you are registered to vote:
__________
Street Address
____________________
City or Town ZIP

ASSISTING PERSON:
The voter needed assistance in marking the ballot and signing above, because of blindness other physical disability, or inability to read or to read English. I marked the ballot enclosed in this envelope at the voter's direction, when I was alone with the voter, and I had no other communication with the voter as to how he or she was to vote. The voter swore (or affirmed) the voter affidavit above, and I then signed the voter's name and completed the other voter information above. Signed under the penalties of perjury.
ASSISTING PERSON SIGN HERE:
1. __________
Signature of assisting person
2. __________
Assisting person's name printed
3. __________
Assisting person's residence

PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL VOTING:
The penalty for voting or attempting to vote in violation of section 26 of chapter 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws is a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.