We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
About Elections
The Elections Department manages and conducts all aspects of the voting process for municipal, state and federal elections within the City; administers the annual City Census by mass mailing to residents; and maintains a collection of public records including campaign finance reports and financial interest statements.
The Elections Department conducts elections, oversees the collections of census data and maintains a collection of public records including voter and resident lists, campaign finance records and election results. Elections are carried out by:
- Distributing and administering nomination papers, and initiative petitions of candidates
- Certifying signatures
- Preparing ballots
- Staffing polling locations
- Maintain voting machines
- Training all poll workers;
- Conducting an orderly voting procedure
- Tabulation of votes
- and publishing official results of all elections.
The Commission also administers the annual City Census by way of mass mailing to the City's residents, keying in the returns and enforcing compliance. Our census information is used by the Assessing Department, Treasury Department, School Department, the Council on Aging, Police Department, Law Department, DPW, Personnel Department, SomerStat, OSPCD, Inspectional Services and the State Jury Commission.
The Election Department provides a variety of supplemental services to assist residents. We offer proof of residency for tax abatement; welcome home bonuses for veterans in the Armed Forces of the United States; proof of citizenship; and life certificates for pension renewals. The Department also holds for the Ethics Commission any Statements of Financial Interest filed by local elected officials and designated City employees.
View More
View Less
-
Voting
-
Annual City Census
-
Campaigns & Elections
-
Forms & Information
Voting
-
Register to Vote
Register to vote online or by mailing in a registration. To register to vote in Somerville you must be a U.S. citizen, a Somerville resident, and at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
-
Where Do I Vote?
Enter your address to find your polling place, trash pickup day, street sweeping schedule, ward and precinct, and elected officials.
-
Early Voting
Early voting will take place October 23-29, 2021.
-
Sample Ballots
View sample ballots for the upcoming election.
-
Ward and Precinct Map
This map of Somerville shows the boundaries of each Ward and Precinct in the City.
-
Vote by Mail
Learn about how vote by mail works and apply for a mail-in ballot.
-
Absentee Voter Application & Info
An absentee voter is a registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to: (1) absence from their city or town during normal polling hours; or (2) physical disability preventing them from going to the polling place; or (3) religious belief; OR A non-registered voter who is: (1) a Massachusetts citizen absent from the state; or (2) an active member of the armed forces or merchant marines, their spouse or dependent; or (3) a person confined in a correctional facility or a jail, except if by reason of felony conviction. Absentee voter applications are available online.
-
Your Government
Not sure how Somerville's government is organized? Want to know what elected officials you'll be casting your vote for? Explore the Your Government tab on the top menu of the website to learn more.
-
Secretary of the Commonwealth
The Secretary of the Commonwealth's website includes Massachusetts' online voter registration system, information on statewide elections and ballot questions, and more.
Annual City Census
For your convenience, you can choose to return your annual census form by mail, email, or fax, or in person:
Mail: Somerville Election Department, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
Email: census@somervillema.gov
Fax: (617) 625-5643
In Person:
- City Hall (93 Highland Ave.)
- Parking Department (133 Holland St.)
- East Branch Library (115 Broadway)
- Central Library (79 Highland Ave.)
-
Somerville Census Street Listing Form (Blank)
Download a blank census form to fill out the information about people living in your home and return to the City either by mail, fax or email.
-
Somerville Census Street Listing Flyer
View a copy of the information flyer the City mailed to residents with more information about the annual street listing (City Census).
-
Census Data
Information about Somerville's demographics as collected through the annual City Census.
-
U.S. Census Bureau
The federal government's website for the national Census conducted every ten years.
-
American Fact Finder
Search for information collected by the U.S. Census.
Campaigns & Elections
-
Election Results
Results of prior state and local primary elections and general elections.
-
Election Calendar
View a listing of important dates and deadlines for voters and candidates.
-
Sample Ballots
Check back before the next election for a link to sample ballots.
-
Polling Places and Hours
See the polling places for each ward and precinct.
-
Election Commissioners
The members of the Board of Election Commissioners that oversee the voting process in Somerville.
-
How to Run for Local Office
Information on the requirements to run for City office and how to get on the ballot.
-
Campaign Finance Reports
Search for, and see, campaign finance reports filed by the candidates and elected officials.
-
ADA Accommodations
The Elections Department offers ADA-compliant equipment to aid voters.
Forms & Information
Programs & Initiatives
Related News
-
Update About Somerville General Election Ballots
The Somerville Elections Department would like to inform all Somerville voters that the ballots for the 2021 general election do not include the usual notation indicating which candidates are incumbents seeking re-election.
-
Somerville Reprecincting Process Underway: Public Comment Welcome
Every 10 years, Massachusetts cities and towns are required to review their population data from the most recent U.S. Census and submit an updated ward and precinct map to the State for approval. The State provides municipalities with strict guidelines that must be followed for this process.
-
Important Dates and Deadlines for the November 2 Election
On Tuesday, November 2, voters in Somerville will cast ballots for Mayor of Somerville; four City Councilor-at-Large seats; Ward City Councilor in Wards 2, 5, and 7; and School Committee Members in Wards 3 and 7.
-
Reminder: Vote by Mail Applications Due September 8 for Preliminary Election
If you would like to vote by mail in the September 14 preliminary election, your completed ballot application must be received (not postmarked) by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8.
Programs & Initiatives
We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
Related News
-
Update About Somerville General Election Ballots
The Somerville Elections Department would like to inform all Somerville voters that the ballots for the 2021 general election do not include the usual notation indicating which candidates are incumbents seeking re-election.
-
Somerville Reprecincting Process Underway: Public Comment Welcome
Every 10 years, Massachusetts cities and towns are required to review their population data from the most recent U.S. Census and submit an updated ward and precinct map to the State for approval. The State provides municipalities with strict guidelines that must be followed for this process.
-
Important Dates and Deadlines for the November 2 Election
On Tuesday, November 2, voters in Somerville will cast ballots for Mayor of Somerville; four City Councilor-at-Large seats; Ward City Councilor in Wards 2, 5, and 7; and School Committee Members in Wards 3 and 7.
-
Reminder: Vote by Mail Applications Due September 8 for Preliminary Election
If you would like to vote by mail in the September 14 preliminary election, your completed ballot application must be received (not postmarked) by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8.