Elections & Voting

Town Clerk Election Duties

The Town Clerk prepares ballots for town elections; receives nomination papers; records campaign expenditures & contributions. For state and town elections, the Town Clerk is responsible for setting up and staffing the polling locations; arranging for absentee ballots; instructing & supervising election officers; recording election results; retaining custody of ballots & voting lists for recounts; transmitting election results from precincts and reporting results to the Secretary of State.

The Town Clerk also serves as a Board of Registrars member by registering all voters, recording party enrollment of each voter in annual register, and certifying the signatures of voters on all petitions.

You may register to vote in person at the Town Clerk's Office, online on the Secretary of State's website, or by Mail-In Voter Registration Form.


Local Elections for Town Offices:

Town Elections are always held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday in June. 


Hours for Voting:

Polls are open on voting day from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.


Register to Vote:

A US citizen who is 18 years old on election day is eligible to vote.  First time voters should register ahead of time at the Town Clerk’s office, or you can complete a Mail-in Voter Registration Form, or use the Online Voter Registration System on the Secretary of State's website.


Early Voting:

Early Voting in Massachusetts is now available for every registered voter for State and Federal elections. Early voting takes place at Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St. for all precincts.

Vote by Mail is available for all State and Federal Elections and Local Elections. To receive a Vote by Mail Ballot, you must make your request in writing. For applications and more information, visit the Secretary of State's website. 


Absentee Ballots:

To receive an Absentee Ballot, you must make your request in writing.  Applications are available at the Town Clerk’s office and online at the Secretary of State's website.

Please check the Secretary of State's website for further information. The Town Clerk follows regulations set by the Secretary of State and Massachusetts General law regarding elections.


Check Your Voter Status:

Find your Voter Registration Status on the Secretary of State's website or contact the Town Clerks Office.


Changing Your Party Affiliation:

You can change your party affiliation by filling out a new Voter Registration Form at the Town Clerk’s office, completing a Mail-in Voter Registration Form, or using the Online Voter Registration System on the Secretary of State's website.


Where to Vote:

Marblehead is divided into 6 precincts.  You must vote in your own precinct.  Call the Town Clerk to find out which precinct you live in or look in the Residents Book.  You can also find your precinct by entering your street address on the Secretary of State's website.  In regards to early voting, all precincts vote at Abbot Hall.

 


Questions?

Please check the Secretary of State's website. All rules for Town Clerks regarding elections are issued from the Secretary of State.

The MA Office of Campaign and Political Finance also has information about reporting donations collected by a candidate.