Definitions

Disallowed signatures are the number of certified signatures which are in excess of the maximum number of allowable signatures from any one county pursuant to Amended Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution. Disqualified signatures are signatures appearing on state ballot question petitions which are not in compliance with 950 CMR 48.07(2). Exact copies shall include anycopies ofanoriginalstate ballot question petition blank as prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth for each particular state ballot question which contain exactly the text and format, and are printed on the same paper size and paper color, of the original prepared by the Secretaryofthe Commonwealthfor that particular question, and which do not contain extraneous markings. Extraneous markings shall include any marking on a state ballot question petition, as defined herein, which was not on the original petition blank as provided by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and which is not information requested on the petition blank placed in the proper location. The names and addresses of persons signing in the designated signature box shall not be considered “extraneous markings.” State ballot question petitions shall include initiative petitions for laws, initiative petitions for constitutional amendments, and referenda petitions as set forth in the Massachusetts Constitution. Uncertified signatures are those signatures which are contained on state ballot question petitions which have not been certified by three or more registrars of voters.