Bill > H596

This bill allows cities and towns in the Commonwealth to let certain non-citizens vote in local elections, specifically for positions like school committee, city council, and board of selectmen, provided the town or city's governing body approves and its voters accept the change through a ballot question. To be eligible, non-citizens must be 18 years or older, reside in the accepting municipality, and declare under penalty of perjury that they intend to become a U.S. citizen and will begin that process if eligible. This right to vote would only apply to municipal elections and would not extend to state or federal offices or ballot questions, and the process for getting the question on the ballot has specific deadlines.