2024 Census

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 51, Section 4, the Town Clerk’s Office conducts the annual municipal census beginning in January.  All residents must review the information carefully, make any appropriate changes per the instructions, sign and return the census to this office as soon as possible even if there are no changes.

Pursuant to the Code of North Reading, Chapter 23, 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 annual census and dog license form(s) may be returned together 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. This year a 2024 Accessibility Survey is also included in the census mailer. This survey is optional but appreciated, and can be turned in with your census and dog license forms or completed online.
 
Important!
A person may not register to vote or change their voter status on the census form.  To Register or Pre-Register to vote, Update Address, Party Affiliation, Name or check your registration information please visit Secretary Galvin’s website:  sec.state.ma.us/OVR/. 

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 the Town Clerk’s office: 978-537-5230

A downloadable Census or dog license form is available on the Town Clerk’s website page: www.northreadingma.gov/town-clerk 

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

Thank You,

Sue Duplin, North Reading Town Clerk