H3918
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
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, to grant voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17 in municipal elections. Currently, the city does not have the authority to do so. This legislation seeks to expand civic participation among younger residents within Somerville. The bill was approved by the Senate and House and is awaiting processing.
Key provisions
- Authorizes Somerville to provide voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17.
- Applies to municipal elections within the city of Somerville.
- Requires approval from the mayor and city council.
- Addresses Election Laws.
- Was referred to the committee on Election Laws.
- Senate concurred with the bill.
- A hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2025.
Who is affected
- Residents of Somerville, Massachusetts
- Specifically, residents aged 16 and 17
Notable changes
- Expands the age range for voting eligibility in municipal elections within Somerville.
- Provides Somerville with the authority to determine voting rights for younger residents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Christine P. Barber
Cosponsors
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Bill H.3918 194th (Current)
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
By Representative Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3918) of Christine P. Barber (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to provide voting rights in municipal elections for certain residents aged 16 and 17 years old. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Christine P. Barber City/Town: Somerville (Local Approval Received)
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.3918
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 3/20/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 7/21/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 8/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in B-1 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 4/2/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5311 (under House Rule 27) |
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