The town clerk’s office would like to remind residents about important dates and deadlines for winter and spring 2020. For more information, contact the town clerk’s office by calling 508-881-0100, ext. 7127, or e-mailing townclerkoffice@ashlandmass.com.
Annual Town Census 2020. All residents should have received annual town census forms by mail in early January. Residents should make any changes, sign the form and return it to the town clerk’s office as soon as possible. Be sure to list everyone in the household, including children. If you do not return your census form, you risk being made inactive on the voting list.
Note that the census form does not register you to vote, nor does it change your name. You must re-register to vote under your new name for the changes to be made. For more information, visit www.ashlandmass.com/598/Annual-Census.
Nomination Papers for Town Election. If you are interested in running for a town office in the May 19 annual town election, obtain nomination papers from the town clerk’s office. The papers are due back, with 50 valid signatures, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. The town clerk recommends obtaining at least two full pages, or 64 signatures. For more information, visit www.ashlandmass.com/219/Elections-Voting.
Office seats available for the
annual town election:
Selectman (1 seat for 3 yrs)
Assessor (1 seat for 3 yrs)
School Committee
(1 seat for 3 yrs)
Library Trustee
(2 seats for 3 yrs)
Board of Health
(2 seats for 3 yrs)
Planning Board
(1 seat for 5 yrs)
Annual Town Meeting and Town Elections. The next scheduled town meeting is Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium, starting at 7 p.m. The next scheduled town elections are Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All voting is held at the Ashland High School, 65 East Union St. To vote at either the town meeting or the town election, register by Thursday April 16. For more information, visit www.ashlandmass.com/219/Elections-Voting.
Dog Tags. Residents should obtain dog tags before Wednesday, April 15 to avoid a $50 fine added to each dog license. The fee for an intact dog is $20 per dog; the fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $15 per dog. If the owner is 70 years or older, there is no charge for a tag. If applying in person, be sure to bring an updated rabies certificate. For more information and to license your dog online, visit www.ashlandmass.com/216/Dog-Licensing.
Note that kennel owners will need a kennel inspection prior to dog tags being issued. For more information, contact Animal Control Officer Dona Walsh at 508-881-0122.