Annual Census

The Annual Census is conducted by the Clerk’s office. Forms are sent out to every household between in February.  Click here to go to the online census page for Marshfield (once available). You will be looking at a census form which you can answer. It is essential that the Census forms be returned.  Removal from the voting list could result if you fail to complete your census for two consecutive years.  Funding both through the Commonwealth and Federal dollars are based on our population.  It is estimated that approximately $2,500 comes to Marshfield for every resident regardless of age, race or citizenship.  Registration for voting or any change of party cannot be done on the census form unless the voter signs the form. Please contact the office and we will happily send out the required voter registration forms if the voter is not available.

As required by MGL Chapter 51 Section 6, the Town Clerk must prepare an annual listing (a.k.a. the 'Nosy Book') of all residents over the age of 16 with their name, address, occupation, voter status and birthdate which shall be available to the public.   As you can imagine, this is not desirable in the current information technology environment.  My ability to control access to this information is nonexistent under the Public Records Law. I have read the language in MGL 51§6 and believe that the 'birthdate' requirement is satisfied by providing the year of birth but I believe this is a small adjustment to a huge problem..  

PLEASE contact  U.S. Senators Markey and Warren, Congressman Keating, State Senator O'Connor and State Representative Kearney's Offices with your concerns about the public nature of this information.  The Massachusetts Town Clerk's Association has been requesting changes to MGL 51 §6 for over 15 years to protect the privacy of our citizens.  Please add your voice to our pleas.   Thank you!   

The Annual List of Residents and their street addresses for 2016 - 2021 can be found on the Clerk's Page under Residential Street Listings.