Your Milford Annual Census Has Been Mailed; Why You Should Answer

MILFORD, MA—The annual census gets mailed to every household this time of year. And for many, the form sits in the "to be completed" pile indefinitely, or even thrown in the trash. Here's why you should fill it out, and turn it in, per the Milford town clerk.

The Annual Street Listing (also known as your “Annual Census”) has been mailed to all households and the town has listed some answers to the frequently asked questions that it has been asked below:

Why do I need to answer my Annual Street Listing (Annual Census)?

The Annual Street Listing is governed under M.G.L. (Ch. 51 S. 4). If you have not answered your Annual Street Listing (Annual Census) this year or in past years this may cause your voting status to be changed to “Inactive”. Failure to respond to your census for (2) two consecutive years may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. Please know that “Inactive” voters will still be allowed to vote at the polls after they show a valid photo I.D. and complete an Affidavit of Continuous Residence with the Warden in their Voting Precinct. It is very important to keep your information current for voting and residency required purposes. The Annual Census was mailed to each household in Milford in January.

What do I do with the Annual Street Listing (Annual Census) when I receive it?

The following information will need to be answered and/or verified on your Census form within (10) ten days of receiving your form:

* Full names of everyone living in the household; ALL adults and children are to be listed.

* Birth dates of everyone living in the household.

* The “eldest” person in the household will be listed as “Y” for the “Head of Household” unless you designate another person.

* Current occupations of those living in household should be listed (you can also list “retired”, “student” or “none” if applicable).

*Nationality (if not a U.S. Citizen)

* A valid phone number for the household. You can indicate if number is “unpublished” in the box next to the phone number.

* You must indicate if anyone in the household has since passed (“D” deceased) or has moved (“M” please provide us their new address, even if out of State). For changes of address we cannot remove a voter without their signature, so a forwarding address is required for us to mail them a removal form or a voter registration form if they moved within MA.

*Do not remove college age children if Milford is their legal address.

* You can indicate on the document if you are a Veteran.

* If you have a dog, you can send in the appropriate documents needed to register the dog (proof of spay/neutering if procedure has been done since last year and a valid rabies certificate if previous one has expired). Both documents are required if registering a NEW dog in Milford for the first time.

* If you notice a letter before your name, this is an indication that you are listed as a registered voter and the party you are currently registered under. “U” is Unenrolled (formerly known as “Independent”).

* Your census form should not be used as a Voter Registration form. If you need to register to vote, please contact us for a form or you can register online or in person at the Town Clerk Office.

* Please make any changes to your Census by printing legibly. You can make changes more noticeable by using a different color of ink other than black ink.

*If NO changes need to be made on the form, any adult in the household can sign, date and return the form to the Town Clerk’s Office.

*If any changes on registered voters on the form have been made the specific registered voter will need to sign and date the form and return it to the Town Clerk’s Office as soon as possible with the envelope provided. There will also be a drop-off box at the Town Clerk’s Office.

*If you do not receive a form, please contact our office.

*If you do not complete and return your Census, you will be made “Inactive” and an “*” will appear near your name on the next voting list and possibly removed from future lists (MGL Ch.51, Sec.4c). If “Inactive” you will also be required to produce and show a valid form of ID along with completing an Affirmation of Continuous Residence with your Precinct Warden if/when you were to go vote.

Photo via town of Milford