Bill > H4209

This bill grants the town of Sunderland the unique authority to allow 16 and 17-year-old residents to vote in local municipal elections, despite being ineligible to vote under current state law. The Town Clerk's office will establish a separate voter registration list specifically for these young voters, who must fill out a special registration form. These local voters can participate in local office elections and local ballot questions, but are 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 register as regular voters according to state guidelines. The Town Clerk's office is authorized to create the necessary forms, regulations, and guidelines to implement this program, and the town of Sunderland is permitted to pass ordinances to support the act. If a local ballot question appears on a state election ballot, the Town Clerk must print a separate ballot for local voters at the town's expense. This bill represents an innovative approach to youth civic engagement by allowing older teenagers to participate in local democratic processes before reaching the standard voting age.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4209