2023 Town Census Mailed to Homes

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 51, Section 4,  the annual census forms are mailed in mid-January.   All residents are urged to review the information on the form, make any appropriate changes per the instructions, sign and return the form to this office as soon as possible.    

Pursuant to the Code of North Reading, Chapter 23, since the Town's dog licensing period is now by calendar year, also included with the census mailing is a dog licensing worksheet.  The licensing period is from January 1 - March 31, after which a $10 late fee will apply to all renewal licenses beginning on April 1, in addition to the cost of the license.  Complete details are on the worksheet.

The form(s) may be returned by mail in the enclosed addressed envelope, in person to the Town Clerk's Office, or dropped off at the Ballot/Census Drop Box located at the front entrance of Town Hall. 
 
Important
Please note that a person may not register to vote or change their voter status through any notation on the census form.  Please contact the Town Clerk's Office for information regarding voter registration or any change you wish to make to your party status.

If your voter status is listed as "I"  [Inactive] on the census form, your status will automatically change back to "A" [Active] after your form is updated in our office.   HOWEVER, all INACTIVE voters should be prepared to provide IDENTIFICATION of their CURRENT North Reading residence at the polls.   Although you may have already returned your annual census form, it takes several months to process all the forms and therefore your form may not  be updated prior to an election.

If you do not receive a census form by the end of January or are new to North Reading, please contact our office: 978-537-5230

Click here for a downloadable blank Census Form
Click here for a downloadable Dog Licensing Worksheet

The Town Clerk’s Office conducts the annual municipal census starting in January, as required under Massachusetts State Law.   Residents are requested to review, update, sign and return the census form within 10 days – even if there are no changes.

Some of the data collected through the census is published by statute in what is commonly known as the “Street List.”  This publication contains a Precinct/Street breakdown and an alphabetical-by-name index of residents seventeen and older as of January 1st, annually.    

Responding to the annual census is important for many reasons:

To maintain a voter’s “active” voter status;

To maintain accurate population information;

To provide the public safety divisions with current information;

For the allocation of State and Federal Funds and grants to the Town;

To provide proof of residency for numerous personal and/or legal requirements such as:

        In-state tuition at State colleges or universities
        Housing benefits for the elderly or other eligible persons
        Veterans benefits
        Insurance benefits
        School enrollment

Click here for demographic breakdowns and further information regarding the U.S. Federal Census.