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H 4209

An Act granting the town of Sunderland the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Sunderland residents aged 16 and 17 years old

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 1 co-sponsor

Sunderland could allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections and on local questions via a separate local voter list, while still excluding state and federal ballots.

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 4209

Summary of Massachusetts Bill H.4209 (H 4209)

Purpose and intent

H.4209 would authorize the town of Sunderland to grant residents aged 16 and 17 the right to vote in Sunderland’s municipal elections and on local ballot questions. The bill creates a local framework that allows otherwise-eligible under-18 residents (by age) to participate in local elections, while preserving the general rule that these individuals cannot vote in state or federal elections.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Establishes a separate local-voter list for Sunderland residents aged 16 or 17 who are ineligible to vote under state law due to age but who are otherwise eligible. Eligible residents may apply to be placed on this local list and would be able to vote in local elections and on local ballot questions under this Act.
  • Section 2: The Town Clerk’s office must create a separate registration list for local voters, using an alternative registration form. When a local voter turns 18, they are removed from the local list and must register as a regular voter under state law. The Town Clerk must supply the required registration form at town expense.
  • Section 3: The Town Clerk may promulgate regulations, guidelines, and forms necessary to implement the Act.
  • Section 4: If a local ballot question appears on a state election ballot, Sunderland’s Town Clerk shall print a separate local-ballot for the local question, at town expense.
  • Section 5: Sunderland may pass ordinances to implement the Act.
  • Section 6: The Act does not grant local voters the right to vote for state or federal offices or on state/federal ballot questions.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Residents of Sunderland aged 16 and 17 who are otherwise eligible under state law but would be ineligible to vote due to age.
  • Administrative: Sunderland Town Clerk and local election officials (registration lists, forms, ballots, election materials).
  • Fiscal: Local government would bear costs for printing the local registration forms and any separate local ballots when applicable.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: June 9, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Senate and House Committee on Election Laws; the House bill is numbered 4209 (with HD 4772 noted as related/replacing).
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room B-1.
  • Local approval: Indicated as “Local Approval Received” in the bill’s materials.
  • Senate action: Senate concurrence recorded on June 12, 2025 (reflecting a cross-chamber process).

Additional context

  • Related bill: HD 4772 (replaces) — the same measure filed as a joint petition by Rep. Blais and Sen. Comerford.
  • Scope limitation: The Act explicitly limits participation to local municipal elections and local ballot questions; it does not affect eligibility for state or federal offices.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Youth engagement: Could expand political participation and turnout among Sunderland residents aged 16-17 in local affairs.
  • Administrative costs: Printing and administering a separate local registration system and local ballots would entail town expenditures.
  • Legal and operational questions: Implementation would require clear guidelines from the Town Clerk, coordination with state election laws, and potential transition when individuals reach 18.
  • Community impact: May influence debates on local suffrage policy and youth enfranchisement at the local government level.

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

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