LYNNFIELD — It is once again time to be counted as the town census forms have been mailed to each household.
Under Massachusetts law the local Town Clerks conduct the annual census. Failure to respond to the census may result in difficulties for residents when they go to vote in the next election.
When residents do not respond to their census, they will be marked as “inactive” and at some point, may be removed from the voters list altogether, once the proper process has been followed under the state regulations. “By returning your annual census, you will save time for yourself at the voting polls, and save the clerk’s office from sending out second notices and notices of inactivations,” Town Clerk Trudy Reid stated.
The information residents provide allows the clerk’s office the ability to keep the voters list current and accurate, and is needed for school population projections and government representation. For residents, it can mean the proof of residency needed for reduced tuition at state colleges and universities, and the ability to receive housing or veterans’ benefits.
The standard census form listing the information from the previous year is mailed to each household. Residents are asked to confirm or update the information and return the form to the Town Clerk.
This year, Reid said she will allow the form to be return via e-mail as long as it is signed. Census forms can be scanned and e-mailed to her directly at treid@town.lynnfield.ma.us. Those who have any questions regarding the census process, please do not hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours at 781-334-9400.
