Massachusetts § 54 - Petitions; number of signatures; filing
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 54 — Petitions; number of signatures; filing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54. Petitions; number of signatures; filing
Section 54. If five per cent or five thousand of the registered voters in a city file with the city clerk a petition requesting that the question of accepting the applicability of the civil service law and rules to either or both of the offices specified in clause (2) of section fifty-one or to any city office as provided in clause (b) of section fifty-three be placed on the official ballot, the clerk shall, if he finds such petition to be in order, place such question on the official ballot for the next regular city election occurring more than sixty days after the filing of such petition.
If five per cent or one thousand of the registered voters in a town authorized under section fifty-two to accept the applicability of the civil service law and rules to the official service or to the labor service, or to both services, or to any one or more of the positions or forces specified in clauses (a) through (h) of said section file with the town clerk a petition requesting that the question of accepting such applicability to either or both of such services, or to any one or more of such positions or forces, be placed on the official ballot, the clerk shall, if he finds such petition to be in order, place such question on the official ballot for the next regular town election occurring more than thirty days after the filing of such petition.
If five per cent of the registered voters in any town file with the town clerk a petition requesting that the question of accepting the applicability of the civil service law and rules to a town office as provided in clause (b) of section fifty-three be placed on the official ballot, the clerk shall, if he finds such petition to be in order, place such question on the official ballot for the next regular town election occurring more than thirty days after the filing of such petition.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 54
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 54 cover?
Section 54 ("Petitions; number of signatures; filing") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 54?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 54" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 54 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.