Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, § 42 (2026)

Affidavit of registration; exception

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 42. Registration as a voter shall be by affidavit of registration made in conformity with the requirements of this chapter by any person at least 16 years of age or older. Except as provided in sections 42A and 65, every person whose name has not been entered in the annual register in accordance with sections thirty-four through thirty-seven inclusive, or a corresponding provision of law applicable to a city or town having a listing board, must, in order to register as a voter, make an affidavit of registration as provided in this chapter and in the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 1974–1983 · leading case: Dane v. Bd. of Registrars of Voters of Concord, 371 N.E.2d 1358 (Mass. 1978).

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Dane v. Bd. of Registrars of Voters of Concord, 371 N.E.2d 1358 (Mass. 1978). · cites it 2× “[Citing G. L. c. 51, § 42.] Only later, if registrars ‘have probable cause to believe that the voter has made a false statement,’ may they summon him to appear for examination.”

Cepulonis v. Sec'y of the Commonwealth, 452 N.E.2d 1137 (Mass. 1983). · cites it 2× “4 See G. L. c. 51, § 42. The plaintiffs appealed.”

Hershkoff v. Bd. of Registrars of Voters of Worcester, 321 N.E.2d 656 (Mass. 1974). “51, § 33, as appearing in St. 1962, c. 437, § 12.”

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