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Bill

HD 2142

An Act relative to the death of a candidate running for public office

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Donaghue

Establishes procedures for replacing candidates who die during active campaigns, addressing ballot access, campaign funds, and successor nomination in Massachusetts elections.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2142

Legislative bill overview

HD 2142 establishes procedures for handling vacancies when a candidate dies during an active election campaign for public office in Massachusetts. The bill likely addresses how to manage ballot access, campaign funds, and successor nomination processes when a candidate passes away while actively running.

Why is this important

Election law must account for unexpected circumstances to ensure democratic processes continue smoothly and fairly. Clear statutory procedures prevent confusion, litigation, and disputes over ballot access or campaign resource disposition when candidates die mid-campaign.

Potential points of contention

  • Timeline for replacement candidates: Whether there's sufficient time to nominate and vet replacement candidates without unfairly disadvantaging parties or voters
  • Campaign fund disposition: How remaining campaign funds should be handled—returned to donors, transferred to party committees, or directed to charitable causes
  • Ballot logistics: Whether ballots already printed must be replaced, reprinted, or supplemented with stickers, creating administrative and cost burdens
  • Party selection process: Whether replacement candidates are chosen by party leadership, convention, or through other mechanisms, and whether this affects voter choice
  • Timing thresholds: How close to Election Day a death must occur to trigger these procedures versus standard succession rules

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

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