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HB 1342

restricting access to certain information relative to voters subject to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.D. Bernardy and 4 co-sponsors

HB 1342 restricts public access to voter information for military and overseas UOCAVA voters to enhance privacy protections for this vulnerable population.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 23
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1342

Legislative bill overview

HB 1342 proposes to restrict public access to certain voter information specifically for individuals voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The bill would limit which details about UOCAVA voters are available through standard public records requests or voter registration databases that are typically accessible to candidates, campaigns, and the general public.

Why is this important

UOCAVA voters—primarily active-duty military, veterans, and U.S. citizens abroad—represent a distinct voting population with legitimate security and privacy concerns. Restricting their information could protect this vulnerable group from targeting, while also raising questions about transparency, election access for political campaigns, and how states balance privacy against traditional voter registration record accessibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Security vs. Transparency trade-off: Supporters argue privacy protections prevent targeting of military families; critics contend that restricting voter information weakens election transparency and the ability of campaigns to contact eligible voters.
  • Scope of restrictions unclear: The bill's language about "certain information" is vague—it's uncertain whether this limits name/address only, or broader data, creating ambiguity about practical implementation.
  • Precedent for selective access: Establishing voter information restrictions for one group may prompt requests for similar protections from other populations, potentially fragmenting uniform voter registration practices.

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

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