Voting FAQ's
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!!
Know these things BEFORE going to the polls:
1. Are you a registered voter?
The deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the May 19, 2026 Annual Town Election is Friday, May 8th @ 5:00 pm. Register to vote online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/.
2. How do I check my voter registration status?
Voters can check their status by either calling the Ashland Town Clerk's office and speak with a staff member at 508-881-0100 x7127. Or by visiting the Massachusetts Secretary of the State Election Division website.
**Effective January 1, 2023 if you visited a state agency or the Registry of Motor Vehicles you were automatically enrolled as a voter. For more information click here.**
3. Do I need to register for every election?
Voters do not have to register to vote for every individual election. Voters only need to re-register to vote when moving to a new address, town/city, state or if they want to make a change to their current voter registration.
4. Do I need to declare a Political Party to vote in the Annual Town Election?
Voters do not need to declare a political party when voting in the Annual Town Election. Town Elections are "Non-Partisan", each voter will receive the same ballot style for May 19, 2026.
5. 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 Friday, May 8th. Changes to the voting lists cannot be made after the voter registration deadline of May 8th. You can check your voter status by clicking here.
6. I went to vote by was listed as "Inactive", what does that mean?
"Inactive" voters occur when an Annual Street Listing from the voter was not submitted. Annual Street Listings (MGL Chap. 51, Sec. 4) are not to be confused with the United States Census. The term "Inactive" is often misunderstood as "deleted".
7. Can I vote Early In-Person or by Mail?
Yes, you can request a Vote-By-Mail ballot by submitting your application to the Town Clerk's Office no later than Tuesday, May 12th. You may download a Vote-By-Mail application here. There will also be In-Person voting hours which will be voted on by the Select Board at a later date and posted once finalized.
8. Where do I vote on ELECTION DAY?
The Town of Ashland has 1 polling locations and 6 precincts. All voters vote at:
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
65 EAST UNION STREET
9. What is my voting Precinct?
The polling location is divided into 6 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. You can view the precinct map by clicking here. If you are unsure of your precinct, please click here.
10. What will I be voting on?
Voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the many races and questions that may appear on their ballot PRIOR to arriving at the polls. Educated voters will reduce time in the voting booths, reduce lines and crowding at the voting site. Please contact the Town Clerk's Office for more information - 508-881-0100 ext. 7127