Appointment Authority: Appointed by the Board of Selectmen to a three year term.
Description of Duties:
(Seventy-three chapters and four hundred fifty-one statutes of Massachusetts General Laws direct the Town Clerk's duties.)
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serves as Chief Election Officer, Public Information and Legislative Administrator, and Local Registrar of Vital Records and Statistics (birth, death, and marriages) |
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issues marriage licenses, dog licenses and business certificates |
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is a member of the Board of Registrars of Voters and is responsible for carrying out the functions of the Board in the preparation, publication, and circulation of voter lists, the annual census and street listing of Stow residents |
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and submits all bylaws passed by Town Meeting to the Attorney General for approval
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*Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk
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2009 - 2010 Election Information
DATES TO REMEMBER
Note:
All of Stow's town meetings and elections are held at the Hale Middle School, 55 Hartley Rd.
Town meetings commence at 7 p.m.
On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
November 18, 2009 - Last Day to Register for Special State Primary
December 8, 2009 - Special State Primary (vacancy due to Senator Kennedy's death)
December 30, 2009 - Last Day to Register for Special State Election
January 19, 2010 - Special State Election (vacancy due to Senator Kennedy's death)
May 3, 2010 - Annual Town Meeting
May 11, 2010 - Annual Town Election
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Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote? Is the information current? Are you sure?
Be sure to complete a voter registration card if you:
- Are new to town and would like to vote in future elections
- Moved to a new address within town
- Changed your name
- Want to change parties or unenroll from a party
November 18th is the last day to register to vote/ change party enrollment for the Special State Primary Election. The town clerk's office will be open extended hours 9 am – 8 pm on the 18th.
Voter Registration may be Completed at the:
- Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Via Mail (mail-in forms are available at the Randall Library, the Stow Post Office, or the Stow Town Building)
Approximately 100 voters did not return the January 2009 street list/census mailing and were moved to the Inactive Voters list per Mass. General Laws. Chapter 51, sections 4, 37, & 37A. These voters should either return the voter confirmation card which was sent to them in June or return the completed census form to the town clerk's office as soon as possible.
Call the Town Clerk's Office if you are unsure of your voter status: 978-897-4514 x1.
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Absentee Ballots
You may vote absentee if you:
- will not be in Stow between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day;
- a physical disability prevents the voter from going to the polling place;
- or because of a religious belief.
What voter must do:
(Please read "Important Reminders" for deadlines and more information)
1. Must fill out the Absentee Ballot Application prior to receiving an absentee ballot.
The application must be received by the Board of Registrars of Voters/Town Clerk by noon on Monday, December 7th in order to vote absentee in the special state primary election.
2. An absentee ballot can be mailed to you OR you may make arrangements to vote in the Town Clerk’s Office once the application is received by the Town Clerk. If you wish to vote in the Town Clerk's Office; please call ahead to make an appointment 978-897-4514 x1.
Important Reminders
1. An absentee voter must fall into one of the allowable categories in order to vote absentee. Illegal absentee voting, including making a false application, is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and additional penalties.
2. Absentee Ballots will be available after November 17th.
3. The absentee application must be received before noon on Monday, December 7th in order to vote absentee in the December 8th special state primary election.
4. If the voter wishes to have the absentee ballot mailed to him/her - be sure to submit the application as early as possible and allow at least 3 days to receive the ballot in the mail.
5. If the voter wishes to vote the absentee ballot at the town clerk's office - please call ahead to make arrangements to do so. 978-897-4514 x1
6. If mailing their absentee ballot back to the Town Clerk's Office - the voter needs to allow enough time to ensure the ballot is received prior to the close of polls on Thursday, October 29th.
Please contact the Town Clerk's office for more information. 978-897-4514 x 1.
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Census/Street List mailing
Stow’s 2009 annual town census/street listing was mailed to all households January 14th. Per Mass. General Law and Stow’s General Bylaws, residents are required to fill out the form and return it to the town clerk’s office within 10 days. Please include information for all members of the household. The mailing also included a dog licensing form and a reminder to properly display the assigned street number on one’s home and business.
The data provided by residents is important and helps town officials compile accurate population figures and voting records. The town also uses the data for long-range planning and school assignments. State and federal funding may be based upon the data provided.
Stow residents who have not received a census form should contact the Stow town clerk’s office and one will be mailed to you. Call 978-897-4514 x1.
Or download a form from the website. See the links in the column to the left of this screen above the Swift Reach icon.
One reason some households do not receive the census form is the household mail is delivered to a post office box and we only have a street address.
Please be sure to provide us with your correct mailing address. Thank you.
Completed forms should be mailed to the Office of the Town Clerk, 380 Great Rd. Stow, MA 01775-2127.
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Important note: The 2008 dog licenses expire December 31st and should be renewed by January 31st.
Dog owners are reminded that it is time to license their dogs. All dogs over six months of age must be vaccinated and licensed within 30 days of the old license expiring (Jan 31st ) or if a new dog, within 30 days of residency in Stow. Dog licenses are $10 per dog for households with 1-3 dogs. Households with 4 dogs or more will be issued kennel licenses. Contact the town clerk for fees. Dog licenses are valid from January 1 - December 31, 2009. All of the requirements are part of the Animal Control Bylaw, Article 6. Section 7 of the Stow General Bylaws. Click here for the Animal Control bylaw.
Simply mail a check along with the 2009 request form to the Town Clerk’s Office, 380 Great Road, Stow. Click here for the dog license request form.
Make the check payable to the Town of Stow, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and current rabies certificate. The new tag and license will be mailed to the owners.
It is important that an up-to date rabies vaccination certificate be on file with the Town Clerk or presented at the time of licensing. Any applications without the proper fees or a rabies certificates will be returned to the dog owner. The deadline to license dogs without incurring a twenty-five dollar late fee is April 15th.
A rabies clinic will be held April 2, 2009, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the Stow Highway Barn, 88 South Acton Rd.
Call the Town Clerk's Office if there are any questions, 978-897-4514 x1
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