Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 3, § 4

A person having a certificate or other documentary evidence of his election as a representative who is not named on said lists may, after the house has been called to order, present such certificate or evidence to the presiding officer, or to the speaker if one has been chosen, who shall communicate the same to the house for its action thereon; but such person shall not take a seat as a member until permitted by the house.