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H 4190

An Act authorizing extending local voting rights for lawful permanent residents residing in the city known as the town of Amherst

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 1 co-sponsor

Amherst may permit eligible lawful permanent residents (18+) to vote in local elections via a town registry, under local rules; does not extend to state or federal votes.

Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in B-1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4190

Summary: House Bill H.4190 (Amherst Local Voting Rights for LPRs)

Quick overview

  • Bill number: H.4190
  • Title: An Act authorizing extending local voting rights for lawful permanent residents residing in the city known as the town of Amherst
  • Introduced: June 4, 2025
  • Status: Hearing scheduled September 16, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (B-1)
  • Legislative actions: Referred to Election Laws (2025-06-04); Senate concurred (2025-06-05); Hearing in fall 2025
  • Local approval: The bill contemplates action with approval of Amherst’s town council

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to authorize Amherst to extend local voting rights to certain lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who reside in the town. It would allow eligible LPRs to participate in local elections and local ballot questions, while explicitly excluding them from voting in state or federal elections.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Creates an optional program for Amherst residents who are LPRs, 18 years or older.
    • Eligible individuals may apply to have their name entered on a town clerk–maintained list of registered voters for local purposes.
    • Once registered, they may vote in local elections (e.g., town offices) and respond to local ballot questions.
  • Section 2: Empowers Amherst’s town council to formulate regulations and guidelines to implement the act.
  • Section 3: Clarifies that this act does not grant LPRs the right to vote in state or federal elections or on state/federal ballot questions.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Lawful permanent residents of Amherst who are 18+.
  • Local election officials: Town clerk (for maintaining the local voter list) and town council (for creating implementing regulations).
  • Other residents: State and federal voting rights remain unchanged for everyone else.

Eligibility and rights

  • Eligibility: LPR status, residency in Amherst, age 18 or older.
  • Rights granted: Right to vote in local Amherst elections and local ballot questions, upon registration on the local list.
  • Rights not granted: No local extension to state or federal elections or ballot questions.

Implementation and timeline considerations

  • Local implementation: The town council would establish guidelines to administer the program.
  • Oversight: The act operates under local (Town of Amherst) authority; it would not override state or federal law.
  • Timeline: Bill introduced in 2025; passage timeline unknown pending committee action, House/Senate considerations, and potential local administrative setup. A hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Potential impacts to consider

  • Administrative: Creation/maintenance of a local voter list and related procedures.
  • Fiscal: Possible modest administrative costs for elections staff and training.
  • Civic impact: Expands local participation opportunities for long‑term noncitizen residents who are LPRs, while preserving federal/state voting rights structure.

Related notes

  • Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 as House Bill 3840.
  • The bill text expressly states local authority to regulate, with no change to state or federal voting rights.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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