Massachusetts § 1B - Appointed town offices and boards; acceptance by voters
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 1B — Appointed town offices and boards; acceptance by voters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1B. Appointed town offices and boards; acceptance by voters
Section 1B. Any office or board, except the board of selectmen and the school committee, elected under the provisions of section 1 may become an appointed position or board by a majority vote of the annual or special town meeting and acceptance by the voters of the town at the annual town elections; provided, however, that any vote by a special town meeting taken under the provisions of this section shall take place at least 60 days prior to the acceptance of the voters at the annual town election. For purposes of this section, the positions of town treasurer and collector of taxes, elected pursuant to section 1, may be combined into 1 position and become an appointed position in the manner provided in this section. Such acceptance by the voters shall be in the form of the following question, to be placed on the official ballot:
Shall the town vote to have its elected (Title(s) of office or board) become an appointed (Title(s) of office or board) of the town? Yes ___ No ___
If a majority of votes cast in answer to said question is in the affirmative, said office or board shall become appointed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Any incumbent of such office or board serving at the time of acceptance by the voters shall continue to hold said office and to perform the duties thereof until the expiration of the term for which said individual was elected or until said individual otherwise vacates such office; provided, however, that any individual elected to an office or board which becomes an appointed office or board at the same election, under the provisions of this section, shall hold said office and perform the duties thereof until the appointment to said office is otherwise made under the provisions of this section.
Such appointment shall be made by the board of selectmen for a term not to exceed three years, unless such mode of appointment or term is otherwise provided by law.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 1B
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 1B cover?
Section 1B ("Appointed town offices and boards; acceptance by voters") 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 § 1B?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 1B" (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 § 1B 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.