Vote
In we go, identify ourselves, get the ballot, go to the booth and fill it out, then hand it in and listen to the satisfying bing as it is cranked into the box to be counted. You can feel the ritual and tradition and weightiness of the moment. We take our democracy into our own hands and become part of our community.
Are you ready to be a Wendell voter? How exciting! Here you will find more information about voting, including how to register.
Can I Vote?
In order to vote, you must be registered (Do it now!) and must be at least 18 years of age on election day (18 years or older to vote for state and national officials).
Only residents of Wendell may be registered voters here. New residents may register immediately at any time. Registration closes 20 days before all primaries, local elections and town meetings and 10 days before special town meetings. If you change your name or place of residence in Wendell, you need to notify the Town Clerk immediately.
The Annual Street Listing is used to move names from the list of active voters to the list of inactive voters. Voters whose names have been placed on the inactive voter list will be restored to the active voters list by signing an affirmation of current and continuous residence. Respond promptly to the Annual Street Listing to avoid delays on election day.
Not sure if you’re registered? You can check your registration status online.
How Do I Register?
Do it now. Don't wait for an election. There are four ways to register:
- Register online (Massachusetts Secretary of State website)
- Call the Town Clerk to have a Mail-In Voter Registration form sent to your home address - 978-544-3395 ext.2,
- Stop in at the Town Clerk's office to register in person, or
- Register at the Registry of Motor Vehicles when you renew your driver's license.
Not sure if you’re registered? You can check your registration status online.
Where Do I Vote?
Wendell Elections are held in the town offices, 9 Morse Village Rd, Wendell MA. The building is fully handicapped accessible. See you there!
Town Meeting is held in the Town Hall on the common in the center of town: 6 Center Rd, Wendell MA
What Time Are Polls Open?
7am - 8 pm
If you are in line at 8pm, state law allows you the right to vote.
Early voting is possible in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including voting by mail
Absentee Voting
You can vote by absentee ballot if you will be absent from Wendell on election day, and/or have a physical disability that prevents your voting at the polling place, and/or cannot vote at the polls due to religious beliefs.
Apply in writing to the Town Clerk including your name, address as registered, address where you wish the absentee ballot sent, in a primary, the party ballot you want, and your signature.
Refer to the following web site for detailed information and downloadable forms:
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm
What To Expect When Voting
You'll find helpful volunteers - your neighbors - who will ask your name and address and mark you off the list.
Federal law requires identification if it is your first time voting in Massachusetts. You can be asked for identification if you are inactive, casting a provisional ballot or if a poll worker has a reasonable suspicion. If you do not have identification, you can still vote but your vote will be considered provisional and be re-examined in the case of a recount, court order or audit.
It can be helpful to look at the candidates and questions beforehand so you can prepare yourself with research.
The ballot may have a front and back - be sure to flip it over!
Voting assistance is available on request. An accessible voting machine is available.
When you've marked your choices, you give your name and address again and turn in your ballot.
Who organizes elections?
The town clerk
Assisted by able local volunteers
At the state level, the Secretary of the Commonwealth is in charge of elections