Massachusetts § 44D - Official ballot; posting lists of candidates; drawing for position on ballot
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 44D — Official ballot; posting lists of candidates; drawing for position on ballot, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44D. Official ballot; posting lists of candidates; drawing for position on ballot
Section 44D. On the first day, other than Sunday or a legal holiday, following the expiration of the time for filing the above described statement and petition, the city clerk shall post in a conspicuous place in the city hall the names and residences of the candidates for nomination who have duly qualified as candidates for nomination, as they are to appear on the official ballots to be used at the preliminary election, except as to the order of the names, and shall cause the ballots which shall contain said names, in their order as drawn by the clerk, and no others, with a designation of residence, and of the office and term of service, to be printed, and the ballots so printed shall be official and no others shall be used at the preliminary election. In drawing for position on the ballot the candidates shall have an opportunity to be present in person or by one representative each. Blank spaces shall be left at the end of each list of candidates for nomination for the different offices equal to the number to be nominated therefor, in which the voter may insert the name of any person not printed on the ballot for whom he desires to vote for nomination for such office. There shall be printed on such ballots such directions as will aid the voter, as, for example: ''vote for one'', ''vote for two'', and the like, and the ballots shall be headed as follows:—
Official Preliminary Ballot
Candidates for nomination for the offices of ( ) in the city of at a preliminary election to be held on the day of in the year nineteen hundred and .
(The heading shall be varied in accordance with the offices for which nominations are to be made.)
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 44D
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 44D cover?
Section 44D ("Official ballot; posting lists of candidates; drawing for position on ballot") 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 § 44D?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 44D" (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 § 44D 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.