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HD 2967

An Act enabling cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain noncitizens of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Rogers

Allows Massachusetts municipalities to let eligible noncitizens vote in local elections if approved by the local government and voters.

Senate concurred
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2967

Summary of Massachusetts Bill HD 2967

Overview

  • Bill Number: HD 2967
  • Title: An Act enabling cities and towns to extend voting rights in municipal elections to certain noncitizens of the Commonwealth
  • Status: Senate concurred
  • Introduction: February 27, 2025
  • Classification: Proposed bill
  • Principal sponsor: Rep. David M. Rogers (Cambridge)

This bill would authorize municipalities to adopt a local-option program allowing certain noncitizens to vote in municipal elections, subject to voter approval and local implementation rules.

Purpose and Intent

  • To permit cities and towns to extend limited municipal voting rights to noncitizen residents who are 18 or older and who reside in the municipality.
  • Rights would apply only to municipal elections (e.g., school committee, city council, board of selectmen) and related questions, not to state or federal elections or ballot questions.
  • The measure emphasizes local control: municipalities must adopt the program through their legislative body and obtain voter approval via a local ballot question.

Key Provisions

Local opt-in and scope

  • Municipalities may accept Section 1G (the new provision) by:
    • Approval by the city/town’s legislative body, and
    • Acceptance by voters in a ballot question at the next regular municipal or state election.
  • If approved, the program takes effect 90 days after the affirmative vote.

Eligibility and voting rights

  • Eligible voters: noncitizens who are 18+ and reside in the municipality that accepts Section 1G.
  • Rights conferred: eligibility to register and vote in:
    • Municipal elections for school committee and school committee questions,
    • City council elections, and
    • Board of selectmen elections,
    • So long as the individual remains domiciled in the municipality.

Registration and verification

  • Municipal election officials would be authorized to establish regulations, guidelines, and registration forms.
  • Registration forms must include a declaration under penalties of perjury by the applicant that:
    • They reside in the municipality, and
    • They intend in good faith to become a U.S. citizen and to begin the naturalization process if eligible.

Limitations

  • The act explicitly states that noncitizens do not gain rights to vote for any state or federal office or on state/federal ballot questions.

Ballot process and timelines

  • The local ballot question must present a fair summary of the law’s purpose (to be prepared by city solicitor or town counsel).
  • If a majority vote in the affirmative, the provisions take effect 90 days later.
  • Deadlines: the final date to file or petition to place the question on the ballot is 35 days before a city/town election or 60 days before a state election.

Affected Entities

  • Municipalities in Massachusetts that choose to adopt Section 1G (cities and towns with their own legislative bodies and ballot-approval processes).
  • Noncitizen residents who meet age and residency requirements and who intend to pursue citizenship.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduction: February 27, 2025
  • Status actions: Referred to the Committee on Election Laws; Senate concurred on same date
  • Local adoption process: Subject to approval by the municipal legislative body and by local voters at a ballot election
  • Effective date: 90 days after local voter approval

Legislative History

  • Similar matter previously filed (House Bill No. 712 in 2023-2024 session).
  • Current session status indicates Senate concurrence on the bill text as filed.

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

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