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H 4203

An Act providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverhill

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andy Vargas

Bill H 4203 ensures candidates in Haverhill can only run for one office in preliminary elections, simplifying the nomination process for clearer voter engagement.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4203

Summary of Bill H 4203: An Act Providing for the Election of Candidates in the City of Haverhill

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4203 aims to amend existing election laws in the city of Haverhill, Massachusetts, specifically regarding the nomination process for candidates running for office. The primary intent of the bill is to streamline the election process by preventing individuals from running for multiple offices simultaneously in preliminary elections.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces the following significant changes to Chapter 195 of the Acts of 2022:

  1. Single Office Nomination:

    • Candidates are prohibited from being nominated for more than one office during any preliminary election.
    • If a candidate submits nomination papers for multiple offices, they must withdraw from one nomination by the established deadline.

  2. Withdrawal Deadline:

    • The deadline for withdrawal is aligned with the last day and hour for withdrawals as specified in section 13 of chapter 53 of the General Laws.
    • If a candidate fails to withdraw by this deadline, they will automatically appear on the ballot for the office for which they filed nomination papers first, as indicated by the city’s timestamp.

Affected Parties

  • Candidates: Individuals seeking nomination for city offices will be directly impacted by the new rules regarding multiple nominations.
  • Voters: The changes may affect how voters perceive and engage with candidates, as the nomination process will be clearer and more straightforward.
  • City Officials: The mayor and city council have approved this bill, indicating that local governance will be involved in implementing these changes.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was filed on June 4, 2025, by Representative Andres X. Vargas.
  • Legislative Status: As of November 10, 2025, the bill has been read a second time and ordered to a third reading, indicating it is progressing through the legislative process.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect upon its passage and will apply to the 2025 biennial municipal election.

Conclusion

Bill H 4203 seeks to enhance the electoral process in Haverhill by ensuring that candidates can only run for one office at a time during preliminary elections. This change is designed to simplify the nomination process and provide clarity for both candidates and voters in upcoming elections.

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

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