H 854
An Act relative to youth voter engagement
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to allow 17-year-olds in Massachusetts to pre-register to vote. Currently, voter registration typically requires an individual to be 18 years old. By allowing pre-registration at 17, the bill aims to increase voter turnout among young people and encourage civic engagement from a younger age. The legislation would be added to the Election Laws.
Key provisions
- Allows 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.
- This pre-registration would occur when the individual is 17 years old.
- The registration would become active upon turning 18.
- The bill would be incorporated into the existing Election Laws of Massachusetts.
Who is affected
- Residents of Massachusetts
- 17-year-olds
- Young voters
Notable changes
- Changes the minimum age for voter registration in Massachusetts.
- Creates a new process for registering voters before they turn 18.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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Bill H.854 194th (Current)
An Act relative to youth voter engagement
By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 854) of Joan Meschino for legislation to provide for voter pre-registration for persons 17 years of age. Election Laws.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan Meschino
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.854
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/28/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in B-1 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5253 (under House Rule 27) |
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