Bill > H612

This bill amends existing election laws to clarify how vacancies are filled for certain county positions, specifically district attorney, register of probate, sheriff, and clerk of the courts. If an election for one of these offices fails or a vacancy occurs more than nine months before the end of the term, the governor will order a special election to be held within 120 days. In the interim, if there's a vacancy for district attorney, register of probate, or sheriff, the first assistant in that role will take over duties until a new officer is elected and qualified. For vacancies in the clerk of the courts office, or for the clerk of the supreme judicial or superior court in Suffolk County, the justices of those courts can appoint someone to fill the position until a qualified clerk is elected.