Massachusetts § 44A - Preliminary elections; contents of notices
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 44A — Preliminary elections; contents of notices, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44A. Preliminary elections; contents of notices
Section 44A. In every city, governed on September first, nineteen hundred and twenty-two, by any plan provided by this chapter, which accepts sections forty-four A to forty-four G, inclusive, in the manner provided by section forty-four H, and in every city, except Boston, which, after said date adopts any such plan, except Plan E or F, in the manner provided in this chapter, the provisions of sections forty-four A to forty-four G, inclusive, shall apply. In such a city, on the fourth Tuesday preceding every regular or special city election, unless the mayor and aldermen fix an earlier day under section one hundred and three P of chapter fifty-four, there shall be held, except as otherwise provided in section forty-four G, a preliminary election for the purpose of nominating candidates therefor, and section sixteen shall not apply.
Notices or warrants for regular, preliminary and special elections shall specify by name all the offices to be voted for and state, in the form in which it will appear upon the ballot, any question submitted to the voters. They shall specify the time when the polls will be opened and when the polls will be closed. The polls at such elections shall be open during such hours as the city council may prescribe; provided, that they shall be opened not earlier than fifteen minutes before six o'clock in the forenoon nor later than ten o'clock in the forenoon and shall be kept open at least six hours, but in no event later than eight o'clock in the evening. The ballots to be used at such elections shall be governed by the provisions of section forty-nine.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 44A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 44A cover?
Section 44A ("Preliminary elections; contents of notices") 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 § 44A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 44A" (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 § 44A 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.