H4189

Relative to the implementation of elements of the charter for the city known as the town of Amherst

Introduced·6/4/25
Introduced Text

Amherst, Massachusetts, is authorized to use ranked-choice voting in municipal elections.

The bill allows the town of Amherst to implement ranked-choice voting in municipal elections. This method involves voters ranking candidates in order of preference. Votes are distributed in rounds, with surplus votes transferred to the next ranked candidate. The process continues until enough candidates are elected or all remaining candidates are declared elected. The bill also defines terms such as "exhausted ballot" and "threshold." The changes will apply to municipal elections occurring 120 days after the bill's approval.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DD
2
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Nov 13, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on Election Laws Hearing

History

Mar 19

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5253 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 28, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 11/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 28, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order