Definition of "Relevant Election" and Limitations Period for Referrals

M.G.L. c. 55, § 3 states that evidence of a violation of c. 55 may be referred to the attorney general "not later than 120 days before or three years after the relevant election or, if the evidence does not relate to an identifiable election, not later than three years after the violation." The limitation of referrals not later than three years after the relevant election means that referral may not take place more than three years after the election that a possible violation may have related to. The limitation on referrals not later than 120 days before an election means that referral may not take place within the 120 days prior to an upcoming election in which the person or entity referred has an interest, for example the upcoming election in which the candidate is on the ballot.