Bill > H4190

This bill would authorize the town of Amherst to extend local voting rights to lawful permanent residents (often referred to as green card holders) who are 18 years or older and reside in the town. Under this proposed legislation, these non-citizen residents could apply to have their names added to the town's voter registration list and participate in local elections, such as voting for municipal offices and local ballot measures. The bill explicitly states that this local voting right does not extend to state or federal elections, ensuring that voting privileges remain limited to the municipal level. The town council of Amherst would be responsible for developing regulations and guidelines to implement this new voting provision, which would represent an exception to existing state election laws that typically restrict voting to citizens. This bill appears to be part of a broader movement to increase local political participation for long-term resident non-citizens who are legally established in the community.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4190