Massachusetts § 15 - Town clerks; powers and duties
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 15 — Town clerks; powers and duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15. Town clerks; powers and duties
Section 15. The town clerk shall record all votes passed at town meetings held during his term of office. He shall administer the oaths of office to all town officers who apply to him to be sworn, and shall make a record thereof and of the oaths of office taken before justices of the peace of which certificates are filed. He shall, immediately after every annual election of town officers, transmit to the state secretary, on blanks to be furnished by him, a complete list of all town officers elected and qualified and shall promptly report to the secretary any changes in such officers. He shall, except in the county of Suffolk, within seven days after the qualification of a constable make return of his name to the clerk of the courts and to the sheriff of the county. He shall make and keep an index of instruments entered with him required by law to be recorded, which shall be divided into five columns, with appropriate headings for recording the date of reception, the names of parties and the book and page on which each instrument is recorded. It shall be open to public inspection.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 15
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 15 cover?
Section 15 ("Town clerks; powers and duties") 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 § 15?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 15" (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 § 15 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.