Bill > H840

This bill modifies Massachusetts election law regarding how vacancies in various elected municipal and state offices are filled. The legislation standardizes the process for filling vacancies by requiring that elections to fill such positions occur on the day of the next general municipal or state election. If a vacancy occurs within 60 days of the next scheduled election, the office will remain unfilled until the subsequent election. The bill affects vacancies in positions such as municipal offices, senators and representatives in Congress, state representatives, district attorneys, court clerks, sheriffs, county treasurers, registers of deeds, and county commissioners. In some cases, such as for U.S. Senate vacancies, the governor may make a temporary appointment to fill the position until a special election can be held. The changes aim to streamline and standardize the special election process across different types of elected offices, reducing the administrative burden and potential costs associated with holding separate special elections for each vacancy.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H840