Section 8. A moderator shall be elected by ballot at the annual town meeting when his term of office expires, for the term of one or three years, and shall serve as moderator of all town meetings, except as otherwise provided by law, until a successor is elected and qualified. Nominations for and election of a moderator shall be as in the case of other elective town officers, and any vacancy in the office may be filled by the town meeting members at a meeting held for that purpose. If a moderator is absent, a moderator pro tempore may be elected by the town meeting members.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title VII - Cities, Towns and Districts
Chapter 43a - Standard Form of Representative Town Meeting Government
Section 1 - Adoption Authorized; Conditions
Section 2 - Adoption Procedure; Submission to Electorate
Section 4 - Town Meeting Members; Election; Terms of Office
Section 5 - Meetings; Quorum; Compensation of Members
Section 7 - Action on Articles in Warrant for Town Meeting
Section 8 - Moderator; Tenure; Duties; Vacancies
Section 9 - Town Meeting Members; Vacancies
Section 10 - Enactments at Town Meetings; Restrictions
Section 11 - Authority of Town After Acceptance of Chapter; Effect of Actions Taken
Section 12 - General Meetings Authorized; Limitations of Chapter