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H 849

An Act relative to inactive voters and municipal census administration

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David LeBoeuf and 2 co-sponsors

Bill establishes procedures for managing inactive voters and municipal census administration to maintain accurate Massachusetts voting registries while balancing access and election integrity.

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 849

Legislative bill overview

H 849 addresses the management of inactive voters on municipal voting rolls and establishes procedures for municipal census administration in Massachusetts. The bill creates mechanisms for identifying and processing voters who have not participated in elections for extended periods, while establishing clearer administrative processes for towns to maintain accurate voter registries.

Why is this important

Voter roll maintenance is a fundamental election administration responsibility that affects both voting access and election integrity. Outdated or bloated voter rolls can complicate election logistics, increase costs, and create vulnerabilities, while aggressive purges risk disenfranchising eligible voters who have simply moved or skipped elections temporarily.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between accuracy and access: Defining what constitutes "inactive" and removal timelines involves tradeoffs between clean rolls and preventing disenfranchisement of eligible voters who haven't recently voted
  • Implementation burden: Municipal clerks may face resource constraints in properly executing census procedures and voter notification requirements across diverse town capacities
  • Notification and due process: Disputes may arise over adequate notice requirements, opportunity to respond, and restoration procedures for voters removed from inactive rolls

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

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