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.
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Voting
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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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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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Absentee Ballot Applications
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.
Census
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Census Form
Download a blank census form to fill out information on people living in your home and return to the City either by mail, fax or email.
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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
See what the ballot will look like in the upcoming election.
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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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2017 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
Programs & Initiatives
Related News
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Somerville’s Annual Domestic Violence Vigil to be Held Oct. 4th
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND announce the annual Candlelight Vigil in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Statue Park in Davis Square.
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Commission for Women Hosting Film Screening, Discussion about Gender Equality on May 10
The Somerville Commission for Women will join thousands of other groups around the world to host a screening of 50/50: Rethinking the Past, Present, and Future of Women + Power on Wed., May 10.
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Somerville Commission for Women to Host Women’s History Month Event March 21
Please join the Somerville Commission for Women on Tuesday, March 21, for a special event in honor of Women’s History Month. “Shaping the Future: Our Community Dialogue,” will be held at The Highlander Café located in Somerville High School, beginning at 6 p.m.
Programs & Initiatives
We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
Related News
-
Somerville’s Annual Domestic Violence Vigil to be Held Oct. 4th
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND announce the annual Candlelight Vigil in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Statue Park in Davis Square.
-
Commission for Women Hosting Film Screening, Discussion about Gender Equality on May 10
The Somerville Commission for Women will join thousands of other groups around the world to host a screening of 50/50: Rethinking the Past, Present, and Future of Women + Power on Wed., May 10.
-
Somerville Commission for Women to Host Women’s History Month Event March 21
Please join the Somerville Commission for Women on Tuesday, March 21, for a special event in honor of Women’s History Month. “Shaping the Future: Our Community Dialogue,” will be held at The Highlander Café located in Somerville High School, beginning at 6 p.m.