MA H3907

Establishes a five-member Board of Election Commissioners in Salem to replace the existing Board of Registrars of Voters, assuming all election-related powers currently held by the registrars and city clerk

Requires bipartisan composition with at least two members from each of the two leading political parties, with the fifth member potentially unenrolled, and mandates board representation reflect Salem's racial and ethnic makeup

Creates a chairperson role serving as ombudsperson to investigate complaints of maladministration or voting rights violations, and charges the board with promoting voter registration and electoral participation

Allows the mayor to appoint assistant commissioners and an administrative director (subject to appropriation and city council confirmation) to support board operations

Takes effect upon passage or July 1, 2026 (whichever is later), with current registrar members (except city clerk) transitioning to the new board for their remaining terms and two additional members appointed for staggered two and three-year initial terms