Bill > S532

This bill modifies Massachusetts election law by establishing new rules and dates for state and local primaries. Specifically, state primaries will now be held on the second Tuesday in June during even-numbered years, with a provision that if a religious holiday conflicts, the state secretary can set an alternative date within 7 days. For special state elections, primaries will be held at different intervals depending on the type of election. The state secretary is required to publish primary dates by February 1 of each even-numbered year through multiple notification channels. Presidential primaries are set for the first Tuesday in March in presidential election years. The bill also provides flexibility for towns and districts to adjust their election dates if they fall within 30 days before or after the presidential primary, allowing them to reschedule between February 1 and May 31, after consulting with the town clerk or district commissioners. These changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in scheduling primary and local elections while ensuring voters have adequate notice of election dates.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S532