By: Catherine Middelmann, Communications and Development Intern

Election years often drum up a lot of excitement for the top office on the ballot, which often gives little room for attention on other positions. While the attention paid to the top of the ballot is certainly warranted, local offices further down the ballot often more intimately affect local municipalities, and they deserve more attention as well.

Local offices on the ballot in Massachusetts—for both the primary and general elections—include Governor’s Council, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, and County Commissioner. Some of these positions you may have never heard of, others perhaps only in passing: it’s time to actually dig into them!

Governor’s Council: The Governor’s Council—also known as the Executive Council—is made up of eight councilors, with the lieutenant governor serving as an additional advisory councilor. The Governor’s Council advises gubernatorial appointments such as judges, public administrators, justices of the peace, and more. Additionally, they advise warrants from the state treasury and pardons. Councilors serve for two-year terms, and there is currently no term limit on this position. The district map from 2021 presides over this election and will remain in effect until 2031; these districts differ from Congressional districts and County lines. All eight districts are on the ballot, with incumbents defending their seats in all districts except Districts 2 and 5.

NOTE: The Boston Area is split between different districts. Allston-Brighton and Brookline are in District 3. East Boston and the North End are in District 6. Southie and Roxbury are in District 4. To find your district and candidate(s), use the elections information tool on the Secretary of State’s website.

Clerk of Courts: The Clerk of Courts manages the non-judicial parts of the court and general court administration (see this article from Rasmussen University for more details). Clerks of Courts serve for six-year terms. Each county in Massachusetts has one Clerk of Court for their Superior Court, except for Suffolk County. Suffolk County has two Clerks of Court, one for civil business and another for criminal business.

NOTE: The Supreme Judicial Court clerk for Suffolk County is a slightly different position also on the ballot. The SJC Clerk for Suffolk County similarly oversees court records and runs court sessions for what’s known as the ‘single justice’ session overseeing attorney discipline in addition to other responsibilities. See WBUR’s Newsletter for more information on this specific race.

Register of Deeds: The Register of Deeds oversees the Registry office in their district. Their responsibilities include recording and maintaining land ownership records in their district. Registers serve for six-year terms. There are 21 districts across the state: North Berkshire, Middle Berkshire, South Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, North Worcester, Worcester, North Middlesex, South Middlesex, North Essex, South Essex, Suffolk (Boston), Norfolk, North Bristol, Bristol Fall River, South Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable (the Cape), Dukes (Martha’s Vineyard), and Nantucket.

Register of Probate: The Register of Probate runs each county’s Probate and Family Court system. Probate court pertains to issues of family law such as divorce, collecting inheritance, adopting a child, guardianship, etc. The Register of Probate serves a six-year term. Only the Registers of Probate in Hampden and Suffolk are on the ballot this year because of seat vacancies; the registers elected will finish out a term. The Registers of Probate for all Massachusetts counties will be on the ballot in 2026.

County Commissioner: County Commissioners manage services and/or infrastructure for their county. This position serves a four-year term. Only the counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk, and Plymouth still elect County Commissioners.

These down ballot positions are essential to the everyday function of our Commonwealth. If your district or county is not having an election for one of these positions this year, keep an eye out for them when the next election cycle comes around. See exactly who is on your ballot with the Secretary of State’s election information tool. If your district or county is having an election for these positions, check your voter registration status or register to vote before the September 3^rd Massachusetts Primary and the November 5^th General Election.