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HD 4956

An Act providing a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 7 co-sponsors

HD 4956 allows Massachusetts municipalities to adopt ranked choice voting, enabling voters to rank candidates, promoting fairer elections and broader candidate participation.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4956

Summary of HD 4956: An Act Providing a Local Option for Ranked Choice Voting in Municipal Elections

Purpose and Intent

Bill HD 4956 aims to empower municipalities in Massachusetts to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for their local elections. This voting method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, potentially leading to more representative outcomes and reducing the likelihood of "spoiler" candidates affecting election results.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant amendments to the Massachusetts General Laws:

  1. Amendment to Election Procedures:

    • Section 44A of Chapter 43: This section is amended to include provisions for ranked choice voting.
    • Section 77 of Chapter 54: The traditional voting method of marking a cross (X) next to a candidate's name is replaced with a requirement for voters to mark their ballots in a manner prescribed by the state secretary.

  2. Implementation of Ranked Choice Voting:

    • Municipalities that accept this option can conduct elections using ranked choice voting, where voters rank candidates for an office.
    • The elections can be for both single-winner and multiple-winner positions, utilizing the single transferable vote method for tabulation.
    • Specific guidelines for conducting these elections, including how to handle eliminated candidates and tie-breaking procedures, must be established by local ordinances or by-laws.

  3. Acceptance and Reversion:

    • Municipalities can accept ranked choice voting through:
      • A ballot measure approved by voters.
      • An ordinance or by-law.
      • A charter amendment.
    • After a minimum of four years, a municipality can revert to its previous voting method through similar processes.

  4. Voter Education:

    • Cities and towns that adopt ranked choice voting are required to conduct voter education campaigns to ensure that residents understand how to participate in the new voting system.

  5. Ballot Integrity:

    • The bill ensures that voters can rank at least one write-in candidate without interference from the ranked choice voting system.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: This bill primarily affects local governments, election officials, and voters in municipalities that choose to adopt ranked choice voting.
  • Potential Benefits: By allowing voters to express preferences beyond their first choice, ranked choice voting may lead to more representative election outcomes and encourage a broader range of candidates to run for office.
  • Procedural Aspects: The bill was introduced on July 28, 2025, and is currently referred to the committee on House Rules for further consideration.

Conclusion

HD 4956 represents a significant shift in how local elections could be conducted in Massachusetts, offering a modern approach to voting that aligns with efforts to enhance democratic participation and representation. If enacted, it could pave the way for a more inclusive electoral process at the municipal level.

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

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