H 870 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act granting the town of Acton the authority to provide legal voting rights in municipal elections for town residents aged 16 and 17 years old

This bill allows Acton residents aged 16-17 to vote in local elections, including town meetings and ballot questions, despite being ineligible under state law due to age. It creates a separate voter registration list managed by the town clerk, requiring a special form for 16-17 year olds. Once they turn 18, they are removed from this list and must register as regular voters. The bill explicitly states these voters cannot participate in state or federal elections or ballots.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 19, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Election Laws
lower
0 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.