Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 53, § 52

Upon receipt of the records of votes cast at state primaries, the city or town clerk shall forthwith canvass the same and within four days after said primary make return of the votes for candidates for nomination for state offices to the state secretary, who shall forthwith canvass such returns, determine the results thereof, notify the successful candidates, and certify to the state committees the names of the persons nominated for state offices. Said secretary shall also forthwith notify a person who has received sufficient votes by pasters or write-ins to be nominated of the necessity of complying with the requirements of section three.