Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law or by-law to the contrary, the 2002 annual town election in the town of Milton shall be held on March 26, 2002. Nomination papers for this election may be obtained until the filing deadline for certification of signatures. Nomination papers shall be filed with the board of registrars for certification of signatures not later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2002. The board of registrars shall complete certification of signatures on nomination papers not later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 19, 2002. Nomination papers shall be filed with the town clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2002. All other dates set forth in the laws pertaining to the election shall apply. The polls shall be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the election of town officers and the determination of matters as by law are required to be determined by official ballot.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.