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Bill

Bill

HD 2322

An Act relative to election emergencies

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Donato

Authorizes Massachusetts Secretary of State to suspend or modify election procedures during declared emergencies to maintain election administration and access.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2322

Legislative bill overview

HD 2322 establishes a formal process for declaring and managing election emergencies in Massachusetts, allowing the Secretary of State to suspend or modify certain election procedures when extraordinary circumstances threaten election administration. The bill creates specific protocols for emergency declarations, notification requirements, and the types of procedural changes that may be implemented during such situations.

Why is this important

Election emergencies—whether from natural disasters, public health crises, or infrastructure failures—can disrupt voting access and election integrity. Having a defined legal framework allows election officials to respond quickly to unforeseen crises while maintaining transparency and democratic accountability, rather than operating under ambiguous authority or administrative discretion.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of emergency powers: Disagreement over which procedural changes (voting deadlines, location changes, ballot access rules) should be permissible under emergency declarations and whether safeguards sufficiently limit executive discretion
  • Transparency and oversight: Concerns about whether notification timelines and legislative oversight mechanisms are adequate, or if emergency declarations could be misused or lack sufficient checks
  • Partisan implications: Questions about whether emergency powers might be invoked in ways that advantage particular parties or candidates, particularly regarding voter access versus ballot security measures

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

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