Bill > H4223

This bill would authorize the Town of Arlington to allow 16 and 17-year-old residents to vote in local municipal elections, despite being under the standard voting age. Specifically, eligible 16 and 17-year-olds who meet all other voter qualifications can apply to have their names added to a special local voter registration list maintained by the town clerk. These young voters would be able to participate in local elections, town meetings, and local ballot questions, but would be explicitly prohibited from voting in state or federal elections. The town clerk must create a separate registration process for these young voters, with an alternative registration form, and will be required to remove individuals from this list when they turn 18, at which point they must register as regular voters according to state law. The bill allows the town of Arlington to create bylaws and regulations to implement this new voting provision, and emphasizes that these local voting rights are specific to municipal matters within the town.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4223