Bill > H4033

This bill proposes to allow non-citizen residents of Somerville to vote in local municipal elections, despite not being citizens. Specifically, any non-citizen who is a resident of Somerville and otherwise meets voting eligibility requirements (except citizenship) can apply to be added to a special voter registration list maintained by the city's board of election commissioners. These "local voters" would be permitted to vote only in local Somerville elections and on local ballot questions, and would be explicitly prohibited from voting in state or federal elections. The board of election commissioners is authorized to create a separate registration process for these local voters, including developing a special registration form that requires applicants to sign a declaration of Somerville residency under penalty of perjury. If a local ballot question appears on a state election ballot, the city will print a separate ballot at its own expense. A local voter would be automatically removed from the special list and notified about registering as a regular voter if they subsequently become eligible under standard state voting laws. The City of Somerville is also authorized to pass ordinances to implement this voting rights expansion, subject to its city charter.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4033