Town Census & Voter Activity

TOWN CENSUS/ANNUAL STREET LISTING

Why is the Census Important?      

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law c51,s4, we are required to communicate with each household and compile an annual street list – also known as a town census. We mail out the annual Town Census to every household in January.  If the census form received is accurate, sign and return to the Town Clerk's Office by mail within 10 days of receipt.  If updates need to be made, please make the necessary changes, sign and return it.  If you've moved to Edgartown after the 1st of January and would like to establish residency, please complete a Census Form to include you and members of your household or register to vote.

What happens if I don't return my census?

While returning your census does not register you to vote, failure to respond before the first Tuesday in June shall result in removal from the active voting list.  The inactive voters will be placed on the inactive voters list.

Inactive Voters 

On Election Day, If you are an inactive voter, you will be on the Inactive Voter List when you check-in. Before you may vote, you will be required to show identification and complete an affirmation of current and continuous residence.  The identification must reflect the voter's name and address as it appears on the Inactive Voter List.  It is not required that you present photo identification.
Acceptable forms of identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains your name and address.  Inactive voters may still cast a ballot, if you have moved within Edgartown, or have moved from one Massachusetts municipality to another within six months of a state election.

Returning to Active Voter

Inactive voters remain registered to vote until they fail to vote in two consecutive biennial state elections. Inactive voters are restored to the active voters list any time they return a Census form, complete an affirmation of current and continuous residence, fill out a new voter registration form, sign a nomination form/petition or submit anything to their local election official which is signed under penalty of perjury and confirms the voter's address.