Bill > H606

This bill amends the definition of "Political designation" in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 50, Section 1, to clarify how candidates and political parties can use short, three-word labels. Previously, the definition was less specific, but this bill now explicitly states that a "Political designation" can be used by a candidate seeking nomination (under Chapter 53, Section 6) or to qualify a political party. To qualify a party, five hundred registered voters must file a request with the Secretary of State, asking to change their registration to that designation, and this designation cannot be "Independent." The bill also introduces a provision for dissolving a political designation if, after two years, fewer than one quarter of one percent of registered voters are enrolled in it, in which case those voters would be registered as "unenrolled," meaning they are not affiliated with any political party.