Massachusetts § 73 - Smoking or intoxicating liquors in polling places prohibited; penalties
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 73 — Smoking or intoxicating liquors in polling places prohibited; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73. Smoking or intoxicating liquors in polling places prohibited; penalties
Section 73. Any person who, during an election or town meeting, shall, in a polling place or place of such meeting, smoke or have in his possession a lighted pipe, cigar or cigarette, or carry into any such place or keep therein any intoxicating liquor, shall be deemed guilty of disorderly conduct; and the presiding officer shall order him to remove such pipe, cigar, cigarette or liquor, or to withdraw from such place, and for disobedience of such order shall cause him to be removed from such polling place or meeting.
Whoever, when so ordered by the presiding officer of an election, caucus, primary or town meeting, refuses or fails to remove any pipe, cigar, cigarette or liquor, or to withdraw from the polling place, as provided by this section, shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty dollars.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 73
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 73 cover?
Section 73 ("Smoking or intoxicating liquors in polling places prohibited; penalties") 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 § 73?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 73" (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 § 73 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.