Aug22
About Elections
Somerville Votes by Mail in 2020
In July, a new law was passed in response to COVID-19 allowing all registered voters in Massachusetts to vote by mail in any 2020 election, with no excuse needed.
How to Apply & What to Know
All Massachusetts voters will be able to vote by mail in both the September 1 State primary and the November 3 general election this year. By July 15, the Secretary of State will mail all eligible voters (who have not already requested an absentee ballot) a vote by mail ballot application.
Applications for a September 1 primary election ballot must be returned to the City of Somerville Elections Department by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. However, we do encourage you to return your ballot application to the Elections Department as quickly as you can after you receive it. When you fill out your application you can request a ballot for the September 1 primary election, November 3 general election, or both.
Ballot applications can be returned via the included pre-stamped and addressed envelope, by fax at 617-625-5643, or by scanning and emailing the application to [email protected]. Please note: Electronic signatures are acceptable, but your signature has to be similar to your hand-written signature. You can sign your name on a computer or phone using a mouse, finger, or stylus. Typed signatures are not acceptable.
If you are not registered to vote, or need to update your address or party affiliation, you have until Saturday, August 22, to do so. Visit our Register to Vote page to learn more about your options for registering. The Somerville Elections Department will send anyone who registers to vote between July 1 and August 22 a vote by mail ballot application with their registration acknowledgment notice.
If you do not receive your vote by mail ballot application or misplace it, you can download one from the Elections Department website. You can also send a signed written request to the Somerville Elections Department indicating you would like a vote by mail ballot. Make sure to include your name, address, and where to mail your ballot. If you would like a State Primary ballot and you are not registered in a political party, make sure to include the party ballot you are requesting as well. You can also request an application by calling 1-800-462-VOTE (8683) or emailing [email protected].
For more information, view the Voting by Mail FAQ at sec.state.ma.us, or contact the Elections Office at (617) 625-6600 x4200.
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.
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Voting
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Annual City Census
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Campaigns & Elections
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Forms & Information
Voting
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Register to Vote
Register to vote online or by mailing in a registration. You may also register to vote in person at the Elections Department. 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.
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Where Do I Vote?
Enter your address to find your polling place, trash pickup day, street sweeping schedule, ward and precinct, and elected officials.
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Early Voting
Skip the lines on Election Day and vote early at Somerville City Hall!
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Sample Ballots
See what the ballot will look like in the upcoming election.
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Ward and Precinct Map
This map of Somerville shows the boundaries of each Ward and Precinct in the City.
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Mail-in Voter Registration
You can use this form to: register to vote in Massachusetts; and/or change your name or address for voter registration only; and/or join a party, change from one party to another or leave a party. To register to vote in Massachusetts you must be a U.S. citizen, a Massachusetts resident, and be at least 18 years old on or before the next election. (English / Español / Zhōngwén)
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Vote by Mail Ballot Application
In July, a new law was passed in response to COVID-19 allowing all registered voters in Massachusetts to vote by mail in any 2020 election, with no excuse needed.
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Absentee Ballot 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 ballot applications are available online. (English / Español)
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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.
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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: [email protected]
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.)
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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.
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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).
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Census Data
Information about Somerville's demographics as collected through the annual City Census.
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U.S. Census Bureau
The federal government's website for the national Census conducted every ten years.
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American Fact Finder
Search for information collected by the U.S. Census.
Campaigns & Elections
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Election Results
Results of prior state and local primary elections and general elections.
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Election Calendar
View a listing of important dates and deadlines for voters and candidates.
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Sample Ballots
Check back before the next election for a link to sample ballots.
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Polling Places and Hours
See the polling places for each ward and precinct.
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Election Commissioners
The members of the Board of Election Commissioners that oversee the voting process in Somerville.
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How to Run for Local Office
Information on the requirements to run for City office and how to get on the ballot.
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2019 Candidates for Municipal Office
View a listing of Somerville residents who currently hold nomination papers.
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Campaign Finance Reports
Search for, and see, campaign finance reports filed by the candidates and elected officials.
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ADA Accommodations
The Elections Department offers ADA-compliant equipment to aid voters.
Forms & Information
Upcoming Events
Programs & Initiatives
We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
Related News
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Keep an Eye on Your Mailbox: Vote by Mail Ballot Applications Are Coming
All Massachusetts voters will be able to vote by mail in both the September 1 State primary and the November 3 general election this year.
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Absentee Ballots Available for the March 3 Presidential Primary
Absentee ballots are now available for the Tuesday, March 3, presidential primary election.
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Municipal Election: Tuesday, November 5; Last Day to Register or Update Voter Info Is Oct. 16
This fall, Somerville voters have the opportunity to cast ballots for Mayor, Ward City Councilor, City Councilors-at-Large, and School Committee members. A preliminary election for Mayor and Ward 3 School Committee, similar to a primary election, was held on Tuesday, September 10.
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Polling Place Workers Sought for March 3, 2020 Election
The City of Somerville Elections Department is seeking polling place workers for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election. To be eligible to work in a polling place you must be a registered Massachusetts voter. Inspectors are paid $165 for the day and work from 6:30 a.m.
Upcoming Events
Programs & Initiatives
We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
Related News
-
Keep an Eye on Your Mailbox: Vote by Mail Ballot Applications Are Coming
All Massachusetts voters will be able to vote by mail in both the September 1 State primary and the November 3 general election this year.
-
Absentee Ballots Available for the March 3 Presidential Primary
Absentee ballots are now available for the Tuesday, March 3, presidential primary election.
-
Municipal Election: Tuesday, November 5; Last Day to Register or Update Voter Info Is Oct. 16
This fall, Somerville voters have the opportunity to cast ballots for Mayor, Ward City Councilor, City Councilors-at-Large, and School Committee members. A preliminary election for Mayor and Ward 3 School Committee, similar to a primary election, was held on Tuesday, September 10.
-
Polling Place Workers Sought for March 3, 2020 Election
The City of Somerville Elections Department is seeking polling place workers for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election. To be eligible to work in a polling place you must be a registered Massachusetts voter. Inspectors are paid $165 for the day and work from 6:30 a.m.