Bill > H3918

This bill grants 16 and 17-year-old residents of Somerville the right to vote in municipal (local) elections, despite being under the standard voting age. Under this legislation, eligible teens who meet all state voter requirements except age can apply to be placed on a special voter registration list maintained by the city's board of election commissioners. These "local voters" will be able to participate in local office elections and local ballot questions, but will be explicitly prohibited from voting in state or federal elections. When these young voters turn 18, they will be removed from the special list and must then register as regular voters according to state law. The board of election commissioners is authorized to create the necessary registration forms, guidelines, and regulations to implement this program, and the city of Somerville can pass ordinances to support its execution. The city will also be responsible for printing separate ballots for local questions if they appear on state election ballots, and will bear the associated expenses. This bill represents an innovative approach to youth civic engagement by allowing older teens to participate in local democratic processes.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3918