Diann Baylis submits more than 1,500 nomination signatures for Governor’s Council

Immigration Attorney from Marblehead submits signatures in every community in the 6th Governor’s Council District

Photo provided by the Baylis campaign.

Marblehead, MA – Immigration attorney Diann Baylis announced today that she has submitted more than 1,500 nomination signatures for certification to city and town clerks in every city and town in the 6th Governor’s Council District, an important step in claiming a spot on the September ballot for Governor’s council in the 6th District.  She submitted 50% more than the required number of 1,000 voter signatures.

The Governor’s Council is an elected body in Massachusetts that provides advice and consent on the Governor’s judicial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury.  The Council also plays a role in the certification of statewide election results.  The 6th district encompasses parts of Boston, most of Cambridge, the cities of Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere and Somerville, and the towns of Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, Wakefield, Winchester and Winthrop.

“I am so very grateful to the hundreds of voters that signed my nomination papers, and for the many in-depth conversations I’ve had with residents throughout this district,” said Baylis.  “So many voters that I’ve spoken with share my goal of having judges in the probate courts that will show compassion and understanding to immigrant children.  They also share my desire for transparency in the Governor’s Council’s proceedings, and my passion for ensuring that every vote is counted in every election.  Voters are hungry for change, and change is what I will deliver.” 

Baylis represents children in the immigration process.  While most immigration proceedings take place in federal immigration courts, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a path to citizenship for unaccompanied minors, is determined at the state level through the probate courts.

“We need judges with knowledge, integrity and compassion at every level of our judiciary, and I will be a voice for that on the Governor’s Council” said Baylis.  “We must ensure that people appointed to judgeships understand immigration law, and that they will stand up for the constitutional rights, safety and best interests of immigrants and immigrant children.”

Baylis, a lifelong resident of the North of Boston region, is a graduate of Merrimack College and Suffolk Law School.  She has a long history of public service, including volunteering for the Lawyer of the Day program at Essex Probate Court.  Earlier in her career she served as Deputy Campaign Coordinator for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and she is currently an active member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.  Slavit Baylis has also supported the work of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, having testified at legislative hearings and spoken at State House rallies to urge action on much-needed gun violence prevention legislation.