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H 3918

Cross Schools Cheerleading State Champions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 121 co-sponsors

Somerville may allow residents aged 16-17 to vote in local elections via a separate local voter list, without changing state/federal rights; they re-register at 18.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3918

Summary: H 3918 — An Act granting the city of Somerville the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for City of Somerville residents aged 16 and 17 years old

Overview

H 3918 proposes a local-option change for the City of Somerville that would allow residents aged 16 and 17, who are otherwise eligible under state law, to participate in municipal elections and local ballot questions. The act creates a separate local voter list and registration process for these young residents, with protections ensuring they cannot vote in state or federal elections until they reach 18.

  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Local approval: Noted as “Local Approval Received.”
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in hearing room B-1.
  • Legislative actions: Senate concurred (July 21, 2025)

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes Somerville to extend voting rights in municipal elections to residents age 16 and 17 who meet eligibility requirements under state law, while preserving the existing eligibility framework for state and federal elections. The goal is to broaden youth participation in local governance without altering state-wide voting rights.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Local eligibility and registration

    • Any 16 or 17-year-old resident of Somerville who is ineligible to vote due to age under state law, but otherwise eligible, may apply to be placed on a city-established list of “local voters.”
    • Local voters may vote in any election for local offices and local ballot questions.

  • Section 2: Local registration process

    • The City’s Board of Election Commissioners must create a separate registration list for local voters, using an alternative registration form.
    • When a local voter turns 18, they are removed from the local list and must register as a regular voter under state law to continue voting.
    • The City must print and provide the special local registration form at its expense.

  • Section 3: Implementation rules

    • The Board of Election Commissioners may promulgate regulations, guidelines, and forms to implement the act.

  • Section 4: Local ballots on state ballots

    • If a local ballot question appears on a state election ballot, the City is responsible for printing a separate local ballot for the local question, at its own expense.

  • Section 5: Local authority and ordinances

    • The City of Somerville may pass ordinances to implement the act, subject to the city charter.

  • Section 6: Limitations

    • The act does not confer the right to vote in state or federal offices or on state/federal ballot questions.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Somerville residents aged 16-17 who meet eligibility criteria.
  • Local election officials: Board of Election Commissioners, City Clerk, and Somerville city government.
  • Other stakeholders: State election officials and voters, who retain control over state/federal elections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referred to: Massachusetts House Committee on Election Laws (March 20, 2025)
  • Related actions: Similar matter previously filed (HD 3742 in 2023-2024)
  • Adoption/approval path: Given “Local Approval Received” designation; Senate concurrence recorded (July 21, 2025)
  • Hearing: Set for September 16, 2025, in Room B-1 (1:00–5:00 PM)

Financial Considerations

  • The City would incur expenses to print the special local registration forms and the separate local ballots when needed.
  • No state-level funding changes are specified; costs are borne by the City of Somerville.

Notes

  • This is a local option bill applicable only to the City of Somerville.
  • The measure remains specific to local elections; it does not alter rights for state or federal contests.

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

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