Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Office
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/
Contact Info: cis@sec.state.ma.us
Updated 2/5/12
(3) Time of Filing Objection. An objection must be filed at or before 5:00 p.m. of:(a) the third day after the last day to file nomination papers or certificates of nomination with the state secretary;
from William Reade …..
from Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Article IX. All elections ought to be free; and all the inhabitants of this commonwealth, having such qualifications as they shall establish by their frame of government, have an equal right to elect officers, and to be elected, for public employments. ——————————–
Article XI. Every subject of the commonwealth ought to find a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which he may receive in his person, property, or character. He ought to obtain right and justice freely, and without being obliged to purchase it; completely, and without any denial; promptly, and without delay; conformably to the laws.
950 CMR: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH 950 CMR 59.00: STATE BALLOT LAW COMMISSION: ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS
(6) Hearing. The hearing on an objection shall not be held before:
(a) The second Monday after the last day to file objections to certificates of nomination, nomination papers, or state initiative or referendum petitions, except for nomination for special state primaries and elections;
(b) The Wednesday after the last day to file objections to supplemental signatures necessary to place a state initiative question on the ballot after rejection by the general court;
(c) The Monday after the last day to file objections to nominations made by state primaries, except for special state primaries.
(7) Decision. The decision of the Commission may:
(a) dismiss the objection, for lack of timeliness, jurisdiction, or standing, failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, or any other legal reason;
(b) enter a decision by default against any party for failure to appear, unnecessary delay, or any failure to comply with any provision of 950 CMR 59.00 if that failure affects substantial rights;
(c) sustain the objection on the merits, and order the Secretary not to print on the ballot the name of the respondent candidate or the question supported by the respondent petitioners;
(d) overrule the objection on the merits;
(e) make informal disposition of the proceeding by stipulation, agreed settlement, or consent order; or
(f) grant whatever other relief justice requires and is within the scope of its authority. The decision must be made not later than 5.00 p.m. of:
. the 21st day after the last day to file objections to nomination papers or certificates of nomination for presidential primaries and regular state primaries and elections, or to state initiative and referendum petitions;
. the 14th day after the last day to
