Massachusetts § 59 - City council; number; election; tenure
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 59 — City council; number; election; tenure, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 59. City council; number; election; tenure
Section 59. The legislative powers of the city shall be vested in a city council. One of its members shall be elected by the council annually as its president. In cities having more than seven wards, the city council shall be composed of fifteen members, of whom one shall be elected from each ward by and from the qualified voters of that ward, and the remaining members shall be elected by and from the qualified voters of the city. In cities having seven wards or less, the city council shall be composed of eleven members, of whom one shall be elected from each ward by and from the qualified voters of that ward, and the remaining members shall be elected by and from the qualified voters of the city.
At the first regular municipal election held in a city after its adoption of Plan B, except as otherwise provided in this section, the councillors elected from each ward shall be elected to serve for one year, and those elected at large shall be elected to serve for two years, from the first Monday in January following their election and until their successors are qualified; and at each regular municipal election thereafter the councillors elected to fill vacancies caused by the expiration of the terms of councillors shall be elected to serve for two years.
If the plan adopted provides for elections to be held biennially, at the first regular municipal election held under the provisions of such plan and at each biennial election thereafter, all the councillors whether elected at large or by wards shall be elected to serve for two years from the first day of January following their election and until their successors are qualified.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 59
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 59 cover?
Section 59 ("City council; number; election; tenure") 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 § 59?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 59" (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 § 59 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.