Voting in Townsend

Voting Precincts

Follow this link to learn about Voting Precincts in Townsend

Registering to Vote

 Follow this link to learn How to Register to Vote in Townsend

Absentee Voting

 Follow this link to learn about Absentee Voting in Townsend

The Process

The polls are open in Townsend on election day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. [state elections] 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for local elections

When you approach the check-in table, first tell the poll worker the name of street where you live, then the number of your residence and finally your name As the voters list is arranged by street, this is the quickest way to receive your ballot and keep any lines moving.

In a primary election, voters who are registered in a political party only may obtain a ballot for that party. If you are an "unenrolled voter" (commonly referred to as an "independent voter"), you may request the ballot of any party participating in the primary election. You will not become registered in a political party because of Your participation in a state primary. In the March presidential primary, however, a voter temporarily becomes, a member of the party for which a ballot is chosen. While your registration status reverts automatically to unenrolled (independent), your temporary enrollment in the party may affect your ability to run as a party candidate in the near future.

What to Do If Your Name Isn't on the Voters List

If your name does not appear on the list of voters, the poll worker should contact the Town Clerk to determine if you are registered in another precinct. If you are on another list in the Town, you may go to that polling location and cast your ballot or vote at the Town Clerk's office.

If you are not on any list in the Town, but believe you registered, you may request a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot allows you to cast your votes. Provisional ballots will not be counted in the tally of votes unless any race is close enough that the number of provisional ballots could affect the outcome. In such cases, the Registrars of Voters will review each of the provisional ballots individually within 10 days to determine which should be counted.  Persons submitting provisional ballots may call after 10 days to inquire whether their vote was counted.

Casting Your Votes

Once you receive a ballot, you cast your votes in the privacy of the voting booth. You may vote for the choices available on the ballot or, if you prefer, write-in the name of a candidate in space provided on the ballot. If you mismark your ballot, you must return it to the poll worker to have it marked as "spoiled" so that you may receive a new ballot. If you are disabled and need assistance, you may be accompanied by someone who can provide the needed assistance or request a poll worker to provide you with confidential, nonpartisan help.

When you have finished voting, you must proceed to the check-out table and again state the street where you live, the number of your residence and your name. (The check-in/check-out procedure allows for a full accounting of all ballots to reduce the chance of fraud.) After you have checked-out, you deposit your ballot in the ballot box.

Prohibited Activities

State law prohibits the display of political paraphernalia within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location. Signs, stickers and even lapel buttons are not permitted within this restricted zone. Political conversation, including a candidate greeting the voters and soliciting votes, is allowed within the restricted zone so long as there is no active interference or badgering, and no prohibited paraphernalia is displayed

For additional information call the Townsend Town Clerk at 978-597-1704