The Town Clerk’s Office will be sending out the 2017 Annual Census by mail during the first part of the New Year. This census package also includes a dog license application for those dog owners who sometimes forget to license their pooches.
The Board of Registrars is required by state statute to verify and update the name, address, age and occupation of all residents 3 years of age and up in preparation for the Annual Street List. The Board is also required under state statute to prepare a listing of dogs owned by each resident. Compliance with this state statute provides proof of residence to protect voting rights, veterans’ bonus, housing for the elderly and related benefits as well as providing information for the selection of jurors. The census form does not register citizens to vote - registered voters’ failure to answer this annual census may result in their names being removed from the voting list.
While the Street List is primarily used to update the voting list, statistics on children are taken for the School Committee providing data on current enrollment as well as present and future school population. (Note: The Future School Needs Committee uses the annual census information to help project future enrollment and space needs. The Committee requests that parents review the form carefully to ensure each child is reported and all dates of birth are accurate.) The Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Technicians also use the Street list as an aid in the daily performance of their duties as well as other municipal departments. The Clerk’s office encourages responders not to forget the U.S. Veteran category, and asks that they respond with “Yes” or “No” in the column indicated.
A full and accurate count of all residents is very important for many reasons including the basis for allocation of State and Federal Funds. It is essential that the forms be returned as soon as possible in order to update the census data and compile the annual census reports. Even a few late returns holds up completion of the new street list, as well as an up-to-date voting list. Follow-up is costly and may include a second mailing, telephone and/or police visitation.
If any resident has questions pertaining to the census form or would like a mail-in voter registration application, call the Town Clerk’s Office for assistance at (781-455-7500 x 216, 217, 218, 219, 252). Forms may be returned by mail or hand delivered to the Town Clerk’s Office at 1471 Highland Avenue.
