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SD 2982

An Act relative to residential address privacy for candidates on general and primary election ballots

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill removes candidate residential addresses from primary and general election ballots to enhance candidate privacy and security.

Referred to the committee on Election Laws
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 2982

Legislative bill overview

SD 2982 would remove residential addresses from appearing on general and primary election ballots in Massachusetts. Currently, candidate addresses are printed on ballots as a matter of public record. This bill seeks to protect candidates' privacy by eliminating this requirement.

Why is this important

Candidate addresses on ballots create security and privacy risks for those seeking public office, particularly in an era of increased political polarization and harassment. Removing this information would not prevent voters from researching candidates—it only eliminates the state-mandated publication of private residences on official ballots.

Potential points of contention

  • Public records access: Critics may argue that candidate addresses are legitimate public information that should remain accessible through other disclosure mechanisms, and that removing ballot printing of this data doesn't address underlying transparency concerns
  • Implementation complexity: Election administrators would need new procedures to verify candidate residency without displaying addresses, potentially creating administrative burdens
  • Voter information balance: Some argue voters benefit from address information for local context (e.g., knowing if a candidate lives in their district), though this could be resolved through alternative district-verification methods

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

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