Chap. 503.         AN   ACT   EXTENDING   THE   TIME   OF   VOTING    IN

CERTAIN ELECTIONS.

Be it enacted,   etc.,  as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 53 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 43, as most recently amended by chapter 144 of the acts of 1973, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 43. The polls at every primary shall be open at least thirteen hours. Such hours shall be designated in cities by the aldermen or councillors, and in towns by by-laws or vote, or, in default of such by-laws or vote, by the selectmen. The polls shall in no case be kept open after eight o'clock in the evening. The polls shall not be closed before eight o'clock in the evening.

SECTION 2. Section 64 of chapter 54 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the third paragraph, as amended by section 1 of chapter 395 of the acts of 1972, and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

In cities and towns at the election of state officers, the polls may be open as early as fifteen minutes before six o'clock in the forenoon, and shall be open not later than seven o'clock in the forenoon   and   shall   be   kept   open   at   least   thirteen   hours.     In

cities at the election of city officers, the polls may be open as early as fifteen minutes before six o'clock in the forenoon, and shall be open not later than ten o'clock in the forenoon and shall be kept open at least ten hours.

SECTION 3. As hereinafter provided, the commonwealth shall pay to each city and town an amount sufficient to defray the additional costs imposed on the city or town under the provisions of this act. In every year not later than September fifteenth, the state auditor shall determine and deliver to the state secretary a statement of the incremental costs attributed to this act and estimated to be incurred by each city and town in the next fiscal year. The state secretary shall include in his budget recommendations for such fiscal year a request for an appropriation in an amount equal to such estimated costs, and shall distribute to each city or town its share of any such appropriated funds not more than thirty days prior to the date upon which said costs shall be incurred by the city or town. Funds so distributed to each city or town shall be deposited in the general fund of the city or town and shall be expended without further appropriation by the city or town to meet the costs incurred by it under the provisions of this act.

Approved November 17, 1983.