Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 54, § 52

Before every state election, the state secretary shall make available a list of all candidates to be voted for. He shall also print with said lists the form of any question to be submitted to the voters. Such lists shall be public records and one copy shall be sent to every newspaper in the commonwealth listed in the Directory of New England Newspapers and Periodicals, to be used at the discretion of said newspapers. Before every city election, city clerks shall make available a list of all candidates to be voted for in their respective cities, and the form of any question to be submitted to the voters at such election. Such lists shall be public records and one copy shall be sent to every newspaper listed in the Directory of New England Newspapers and Periodicals, located in such city, to be used at the discretion of said newspapers.