Examining returns and summoning senators
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
And that there may be a due convention of senators on the [last Wednesday in May] [annually,] the governor with five of the council, for the time being, shall, as soon as may be, examine the returned copies of such records; and fourteen days before the said day he shall issue his summons to such persons as shall appear to be chosen by [a majority of] voters, to attend on that day, and take their seats accordingly: provided nevertheless, that for the first year the said returned copies shall be examined by the president and five of the council of the former constitution of government; and the said president shall, in like manner, issue his summons to the persons so elected, that they may take their seats as aforesaid.
Note (Massachusetts Legislature): [See Amendments, Arts. X, XIV, LXIV, LXXII and LXXV.]
Simplified explanation
The governor with five of the council shall examine the returned copies of the election records and, fourteen days before the senate convenes, summon those who appear chosen to take their seats. For the first year the former president and council did this. Bracketed dates are printed as superseded.