H4209
An Act granting the town of Sunderland the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Sunderland 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 town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, to grant voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17 in municipal elections. Currently, the town does not have the authority to do so. This legislation seeks to expand civic participation among younger residents within Sunderland. The bill was approved by the town and subsequently by the Senate.
Key provisions
- Authorizes the town of Sunderland to offer voting rights.
- Specifically extends voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17.
- Applies to municipal elections within the town of Sunderland.
- Requires local approval from the town of Sunderland.
- Was approved by the Senate.
- Referenced the committee on Election Laws.
- Accompanied a study order (H.5311).
Who is affected
- Residents of Sunderland, Massachusetts
- Town of Sunderland government
- Young people aged 16 and 17
Notable changes
- Expands the age range for voting eligibility within Sunderland.
- Grants Sunderland the authority to determine voting rights for its residents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Joanne M. Comerford
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4209 194th (Current)
An Act granting the town of Sunderland the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Sunderland residents aged 16 and 17 years old
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4209) of Natalie M. Blais and Joanne M. Comerford (by vote of the town) that the town of Sunderland be authorized to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for residents of said town aged 16 and 17 years old. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Natalie M. Blais , Joanne M. Comerford City/Town: Sunderland (Local Approval Received)
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.4209
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 6/9/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 6/12/2025 | 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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