Massachusetts § 19 - Assistant town clerks; powers and duties; compensation
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 19 — Assistant town clerks; powers and duties; compensation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19. Assistant town clerks; powers and duties; compensation
Section 19. The town clerk may in writing appoint an assistant clerk, who shall be sworn to the faithful performance of his duties; and a record shall be made of the appointment and oath. The assistant town clerk shall, in the absence of the clerk, perform his duties and have the powers and be subject to the requirements and penalties applicable to him, unless a temporary clerk is elected or appointed pursuant to section fourteen. Such duties and powers shall include acting as clerk of the board of registrars of voters, in a town where the town clerk performs this function; provided, that equal representation of the two leading political parties on said board, in accordance with section eighteen of chapter fifty-one, is not affected thereby. In towns having five thousand or more inhabitants an assistant clerk appointed under authority of this section shall not be subject to chapter thirty-one. An assistant clerk appointed under this section shall not be required to be a resident nor a registered voter of the town.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 19
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 19 cover?
Section 19 ("Assistant town clerks; powers and duties; compensation") 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 § 19?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 19" (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 § 19 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.