Precincts Change With Population Increase

Danvers' population increase has resulted in a rebalancing of the town's eight princincts, as well as an increase in the number of voting town meeting members. 

According to Town Manager Wayne Marquis, there are currently eight precincts with 125 voting town meeting members, which will soon rise to 149.

Because the districts were redrawn due to population increase, each precinct will be allowed to vote for an additional three members, resulting in 24 new town meeting members in all.

The dialogue for the changes began at the Jan. 16 Board of Selectmen meeting at .

While Marquis said "it becomes increasingly difficult to find a sufficient number of people to run for office," he also noted that it is very important to the well being of the town.

As of the 2010 census population, there were 26,493 Danvers residents. The map, compiled courtesy of William F. Galvin, Census Liaison, shows eight precincts, spanning from 3,158 through 3,459 residents.

The town's election in May will be the first with the new precincts and larger town-member body, Marquis said. At that time Chairman of the Board Dan Bennett, along with Selectmen William H. Clark, Jr. and Gardner S. Trask III, will be up for reelection.

Incumbent Town Meeting members will also be up for reelection because of new reconfiguration, Assistant Town Clerk Kathleen M. Woytovich told the Boston Globe. 

Woytovich explained to the Globe that everyone has to run equally; the top six vote getters will have there-year terms , the next six will have two-year terms, and the last six will have one-year terms, and then it will go back on a staggered schedule.

Interested residents are encouraged to go to the for registration papers, beginning the first of February.