Quick Hits are random stories about our cities and town that catch the eye of our contributors
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on May 7, 2024, that was to include testimony on the proposed bill
H.4552 An Act authorizing extending local voting rights for lawful permanent residents residing in the town of Wendell
The bill was proposed by State Representative Aaron Saunders (D)-7th Hampden and State Senator Joanne Comerford (D)- Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester.
See an excerpt from the first section of the bill below:
The entire hearing, which included discussion of other bills, lasted a little over 12 minutes. No oral testimony was given on H.4552, although written testimony may have been submitted.
The town of Wendell has a population of 924 as of the 20201 Census with 756 registered voters, 508 of which are listed as Unenrolled, as of February 24, 2024.2
The citizens of Wendell, MA, seem to be fine with non-citizens voting in their elections. They voted in favor of the idea at their June 6, 2023, Annual Town Meeting. Watch the full “debate” below, where you can see maybe 50 or so people (which would be approximately 6% of the town’s registered voters, at most) discussed the benefits of non-citizens voting in town affairs. One woman stands in opposition. Towards the end of the 10 minute discussion, a man pipes up with a great question: Why does Wendell have to ask the State Legislature’s permission, if it only affects the town of Wendell? Why indeed.
The Wendell town flag:
All those in favor of the proposal voiced emotional-based concerns, including how difficult it is to become a citizen, “these are our friends and neighbors,” and “they pay taxes.” Not one proponent brought up the topic of respect for our Constitution and our laws, or respect for the ideas and ideals that make our country great.
The Town of Wendell is a municipality of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which is a part of The United States of America. Wendell is not a separate entity. It accepts federal and state funding, which comes from all taxpayers, not just those in Wendell, MA. The decisions non-citizens make in their town affect the citizens all over the Commonwealth.
To become a citizen is to respect and take pride in and be loyal to our American ideas. If a resident sees no value in becoming a citizen, where do their loyalties lie?
by Mrs. Gulch
Sources:
Massachusetts First 
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