Massachusetts § 78 - Voting for presidential electors, governor, and lieutenant governor; marking ballots
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 78 — Voting for presidential electors, governor, and lieutenant governor; marking ballots, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 78. Voting for presidential electors, governor, and lieutenant governor; marking ballots
Section 78. In order to vote for presidential electors, the voter shall make a cross (X) in the square at the right of the party or political designation appearing on the ballot at the right of the surnames of the candidates for president and vice president, to vote for whom such candidates for electors are nominated; and the making of a cross as aforesaid shall be deemed and taken as a vote for such candidates for presidential electors, except as provided in section thirty-three E. A vote by sticker or write-in in the blank space at the end of the list of names of presidential and vice presidential candidates may be cast for those candidates whose names are contained in lists filed with the state secretary under the provisions of section seventy-eight A and shall be deemed to be a vote for each of the candidates for presidential elector whose names are contained in the appropriate list so filed; provided, however, that in such case the voter shall list only the surnames of the candidates for president and vice president. In order to vote for governor and lieutenant governor, the voter shall mark a cross (X) in the square at the right of the names of the group of candidates for said offices for whom he desires to vote, or by inserting the name and residence of any person for either office in the blank space provided therefor; provided, however, that no such inserted name may be that of a candidate whose name is printed upon the ballot as a candidate for the office.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 78
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 78 cover?
Section 78 ("Voting for presidential electors, governor, and lieutenant governor; marking ballots") 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 § 78?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 78" (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 § 78 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.