Frequently Asked Questions
Know these six things before going to the polls
- Are you a registered voter? The deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the State Election is Saturday, October 29 @ 5:00 pm. The Town Clerk's Office will be open on this date from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM for in person voter registration or register to vote online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
- Is your voter status "active"? Voters must return their signed street list census form annually to the Town Clerk’s office to maintain an active voter status. Inactive voters are still eligible to vote but will be required to complete additional forms and show an ID at the polls in order to vote. To avoid having to complete additional paperwork at the polls, voters who appear as inactive can change their status to active by stopping by the Town Clerks Office to sign a census form in person up until Saturday, October 29 @ 5:00 pm. Changes to the voting lists cannot be made after the deadline of October 29.
- Can I vote Early in person or by Mail? Yes! You can vote early either in person or by mail. See the Early Voting schedule on the previous page for dates, hours and location! You can also vote by mail by submitting an application to the Office of the Town Clerk not later than 5 pm on the 5th business day before the election – For the 11/8 State Election, Tuesday, November 1 at 5:00 pm. Applications can be found on the Town’s website or the Secretary of States website.
- Where do I vote on ELECTION DAY? The Town of Ayer has 1 polling locations and 3 precincts. All voters vote at: Ayer Town Hall; 2nd Floor Great Hall; 1 Main Street
- What is my voting Precinct? The polling location is divided into precincts and voters will appear on the voting list only in the precinct in which their street is part of. Voters are strongly encouraged to already know which precinct they will be voting in before entering the polling location. If you are unsure of your precinct, please check with the Election Office.
- What will I be voting on? Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the many races and questions that will appear on their ballot PRIOR to arriving at the polls. By visiting the website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleupcomingelections/upcoming-elections.htm You will have the option to view your ballot and check your registration status. Educated voters will reduce the amount of time necessary in the voting booths and reduce lines and crowding on Election Day. Sample ballots will also be available to view at the Office of the Town Clerk, 1 Main Street as well as on the Town Clerk’s page of the Town’s website at: www.ayer.ma.us