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HD 1693

An Act granting the city of Boston the authority to endow legal voting rights in municipal elections for city of Boston residents aged 16 and 17 years old

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Holmes

Authorizes Boston to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections and on local ballot questions, via a separate local voters list and ballots.

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Bill Summary · HD 1693

Summary: Bill HD 1693 – Local Voting Rights for 16- and 17-Year-Old Residents of Boston (Municipal Elections)

Note on status and dates: The bill text attached to HD 1693 indicates it was filed January 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 1693, Hill Holmes), with “Local Approval Received.” The provided header also references an introduction on November 29, 2025. There is a potential discrepancy in dates; the substantive provisions relate to authorizing Boston to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in local elections. The summary below reflects the bill language as included in the text.

Purpose and intent

  • To authorize the City of Boston to endow legal voting rights in municipal elections for city residents aged 16 and 17 who are otherwise eligible to vote under state law.
  • To create a local framework that enables participation in city elections and local ballot questions by younger residents, while preserving existing state and federal voting rights for older voters.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Eligibility and local registration

    • 16- and 17-year-olds residing in Boston who are ineligible to vote due to age (under state law) but otherwise eligible may apply to be listed on a city-created “local voters” list.
    • Individuals on this list may vote in any Boston municipal election and on local ballot questions.
    • These individuals are considered “local voters” for purposes of this Act.

  • Section 2: Local registration list and removal at 18

    • The Boston board of election commissioners must maintain a separate registration list for local voters.
    • A special registration form must be created and used for this purpose, printed at the City's expense.
    • When a local voter turns 18, they are removed from the local list and must register as a regular voter under state law to continue voting in elections.

  • Section 3: Implementation rules

    • The city board may promulgate regulations, guidelines, and forms to implement the Act.

  • Section 4: Local ballots on state election days

    • If a local ballot question appears on a state election ballot, the City of Boston must print a separate ballot for the local ballot question, at Boston’s expense.

  • Section 5: Local adoption and ordinances

    • Boston is authorized to pass ordinances to implement the Act, subject to the city charter and applicable laws.

  • Section 6: Limitations on rights

    • Nothing in the Act confers the right to vote for state or federal offices or on state/federal ballot questions for local voters.

Who is affected

  • City of Boston residents aged 16 and 17 who would otherwise be ineligible to vote due to age but are otherwise eligible under state law.
  • The Boston Board of Election Commissioners and city election administrators.
  • The City of Boston (financial and administrative burden for forms, ballots, and separate registration processes).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Local approval: The bill’s documents indicate local approval was received (a precondition for local-option measures in Massachusetts).
  • Registration and implementation: Requires establishment of a separate local voters list, custom forms, and potential regulatory rules by the election board.
  • Balloting logistics: If applicable, separate local ballots on state election days would be printed at Boston’s expense.
  • Removal at age 18: Local voters would transition to regular state voters upon turning 18.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Administrative and fiscal: Increased costs for separate registration materials, list maintenance, and separate ballots.
  • Equity and participation: Extends civic participation opportunities to younger residents in Boston’s municipal affairs.
  • Limitations: No extension of rights to state or federal elections; local-only scope.
  • Policy alignment: Requires alignment with state election law and city charter; exercises local authority within those boundaries.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with Massachusetts general voting-age rules and summarize potential implementation challenges in more detail.

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

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