S 412 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act enabling children’s right to vote

This bill proposes to lower the minimum age for voting in Massachusetts from 18 to 18 days, allowing children to register and vote as soon as they turn 18 days old. It defines "capacity to make voting decisions independently" as the ability to understand voting choices without significant caregiver input and permits family members to assist voters who lack this capacity at polling stations. The legislation also mandates the creation of non-partisan voter registration programs in birth centers, childcare facilities, schools, and afterschool programs to encourage early registration among young residents. Additionally, it requires that the names and addresses of individuals under 17 who request to vote be included on voter lists.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 15, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

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

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
House · Passed
House concurred
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Election Laws
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors