Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 39, § 3: Elections of city officers by municipal bodies; manner of voting

Section 3. No election of a city officer by a municipal body or board shall be valid unless made by a viva voce vote, each member present answering to his name when called by the clerk or other proper officer, stating the name of the person for whom he votes, or that he declines to vote. The clerk or other proper officer shall record every such vote.