An Act relative to random placement for candidate names and removal of incumbent information on primary and state ballots
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill proposes changes to how candidate names appear on primary and state ballots in Massachusetts. It aims to randomize the order of candidate names and remove information identifying incumbents, with the goal of reducing the influence of incumbency advantage and increasing voter choice. The bill seeks to create a more level playing field for all candidates during elections.
Key provisions
- Randomize the order of candidate names on ballots.
- Remove incumbent information (such as party affiliation) from primary and state ballots.
- Apply to both primary and general elections.
- The bill was referred to the committee on Election Laws.
- The bill was accompanied by a study order (H.5311).
- The Senate concurred with the House version of the bill.
- The bill was scheduled for a hearing on June 17, 2025.
Who is affected
- Voters in Massachusetts
- Candidates running for office
- Election officials in Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Shifts away from traditional ballot layouts that highlight incumbents.
- Introduces a system of random candidate placement.
- Addresses concerns about incumbency advantage in elections.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
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