H4241
An Act granting the town of Whately the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Whately 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 Whately, Massachusetts, to grant voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17 in municipal elections. Currently, these residents are not eligible to vote in local elections. The bill seeks to give the town the authority to determine the specific rules and procedures for this expanded voting access. This change would be implemented through a local vote and would be overseen by the Election Laws.
Key provisions
- Authorizes Whately to provide voting rights to residents aged 16 and 17.
- Voting rights would apply to municipal elections within the town of Whately.
- The town must approve this measure through a local vote.
- The bill aligns with existing Election Laws.
- The town of Whately would retain control over the implementation of this change.
- This legislation grants local control over voter eligibility.
- It expands the pool of eligible voters within Whately.
- The town’s election officials would be responsible for administering the voting process.
Who is affected
- Residents of Whately, Massachusetts
- Town officials in Whately
- Voters in Whately
- The town of Whately
- Massachusetts State Election Laws
Notable changes
- Currently, residents aged 16 and 17 in Whately are ineligible to vote in municipal elections.
- This bill would create an exception to the standard voting age requirement for local elections in Whately.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Paul W. Mark
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4241 194th (Current)
An Act granting the town of Whately the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Whately residents aged 16 and 17 years old
By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4241) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Whately be authorized to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town of Whately residents aged 16 and 17 years old. Election Laws. [Local Approval Received.]
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Natalie M. Blais , Paul W. Mark City/Town: Whately (Local Approval Received)
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.4241
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 6/30/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 7/3/2025 | 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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