The Salem City Council on Feb. 13 voted 10‑0 to adopt a home‑rule petition that would replace Salem’s Board of Registrars with a five‑member Elections Commission if the Massachusetts Legislature approves the petition. The measure was presented by Councilor Varela and will proceed to the state legislature for consideration.

Councilor Varela, who led the discussion, said the change is intended to reduce burdens on the city clerk’s office and modernize election administration. He told colleagues the transition would keep current registrars in place until their terms expire and add two members to create a five‑member commission, preserving equal representation between Republicans and Democrats where state law requires it.

“Elections have changed the last couple of years and there’s been an undue burden… on the clerk’s office,” Councilor Varela said as he described the rationale for the petition. The petition language draws on prior models used by other municipalities and, if enacted by the legislature, would take effect July 1, 2026, the council noted.

Councilor Cohen urged colleagues to contact their state legislators and committee chairs once a docket number is issued, saying the council’s work has been “really positive” and that legislative outreach will help the petition’s chance of passage.

Why it matters: The change would alter the local structure overseeing elections, shifting administrative oversight and creating a dedicated commission. The council and city clerk said the change aims to strengthen oversight while keeping continuity for voters and staff.

What’s next: The city will file the home‑rule petition with the Legislature; councilors indicated they will contact state representatives and senators to support the measure.