Town Meeting:How to Run for Election

Any registered voter may run for election to Town Meeting. A new candidate must obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk's office, which is in the Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, on the first floor just opposite the main entrance. These papers must be signed by ten registered voters who live in the candidate's precinct. Precinct voters may sign papers for as many candidates as they wish. Papers must have valid signatures, that is, the signatures must correspond exactly to the names on the voting list with the correct address. To compensate for possible errors, it is recommended that one obtain at least fifteen signatures. These nomination papers must be submitted to the Board of Registrars at the Town Clerk's office at least 49 days before the election.

An incumbent Town Meeting Member may become a candidate for re-election by giving written notice thereof to the Town Clerk at least 56 days before Election Day. The Town Clerk issues a courtesy inquiry for Town Meeting Members to complete and return, indicating their intent to run for reelection. Incumbents do not have to file nomination papers if notification of their intent to run for office is submitted to the Town Clerk by the designated deadline.