Bill > S512

This bill proposes to extend voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizen residents who are 18 years or older and have legal immigration status. The legislation would allow these noncitizen voters to participate in local elections for positions like mayor, city council, school committee, and board of selectmen, as well as attend town meetings and potentially serve in municipal elected offices. However, noncitizen voters would be restricted from voting in federal elections, for state offices, or on initiative petitions. To register, noncitizen voters would need to complete a special registration form issued by the state secretary, which includes a declaration of municipal residency under penalty of perjury. Municipal election officials would be required to inform these voters about their voting rights and limitations, including a warning that voting in federal elections could impact their citizenship application. Noncitizen voters can only be registered in one municipality at a time and must maintain residency in that municipality to retain their voting rights. The bill aims to expand local political participation for legal immigrants while maintaining clear boundaries on their electoral involvement.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S512