December 28, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
The Hingham Town Clerk’s Office is preparing for a busy year with two primaries and two elections. Also notable, the annual Street Listing Census will be mailed to residents the first week of January. The Census provides critical population data used not only by the town, but also by the state for various services and budgets.
“Massachusetts law requires that residents respond to this Census form on an annual basis,” Town Clerk Carol Falvey told the Hingham Anchor. “Compliance provides proof of residency, protection of voting rights, eligibility for certain elderly and veteran benefits, public safety information, and community data used in applying for grants.”
This year, a separate Hingham School Department Census form — similar to those included in censuses by neighboring towns — will also be included. The form is voluntary and will ask for information on school-age children for school enrollment planning.
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth will also mail postcards in early-January, notifying residents of how they can apply to Vote by Mail. Applications will be party-specific, and unenrolled voters will have the option to choose a Democratic, Republican or Libertarian ballot for the March and September primaries. (See attached examples.)
In Hingham, approximately 63% of the voters are unenrolled and will be asked to choose a ballot, according to Falvey.
Because the information provided in the Census and the Secretary of State’s Vote by Mail applications “is critical, we ask residents to carefully follow the instructions on the forms and sign and return them in the envelopes provided. Our office is available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us,” Falvey said.
Detailed information and important deadlines and dates for all of the elections and primaries will be available on the Town
Clerk’s website, including the following:
January
⦁ First week of January: Town Census and the School Census will be mailed to all Hingham residents.
⦁ January 8: The Massachusetts Secretary of State will mail postcard applications to eligible voters to request a mail-in ballot for all eligible 2024 elections OR for any individual primary or election date.
⦁ January 10: Nomination papers will be available for those wishing to run for Hingham municipal offices. More information will be available on the Town Clerk’s website.
February
⦁ February 24 to March 1: In-person early voting will be available for the Presidential Primary on March 5.
March
⦁ Tuesday, March 5: Presidential Primary
April
⦁ Wednesday, April 24: Hingham’s Annual Town Meeting (rather than Monday, April 22, because it is the first day of Passover).
⦁ Saturday, April 27: Town Election
September
⦁ Tuesday, September 3: State Primary
November
⦁ Tuesday, November 5: State Election/Presidential Election