Massachusetts H853: An Act reforming the composition of the boards of registrars of voters

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Chapter 51, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking section 18 and inserting in place thereof the following section:- Section 18. In the original and in each succeeding appointment and in filling vacancies, registrars of voters shall be so appointed as follows: (i) that as nearly as possible the members of the board shall represent the 2 leading political parties and voters with an unenrolled designation, as defined in section 1 of chapter 50 and section 38 of chapter 53; provided, that a city or town clerk need not be enrolled in a political party; and (ii) that in no case shall an appointment to the registrars of voters be made so as to cause the board to have more than 2 members from any established political party or political designation in the Commonwealth, including the city or town clerk.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D, 32nd Middlesex) · primary sponsor
• Jason Lewis (D, Fifth Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. April 2, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5311 (under House Rule 27)
2. June 10, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Election Laws
5. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H853?

H853 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act reforming the composition of the boards of registrars of voters.

What is the status of H853?

Failed as of April 2, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5311 (under House Rule 27) (April 2, 2026).

Who sponsored H853?

Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D, 32nd Middlesex), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H853?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H853