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City Census

multi colored human heads grouped together with the words be counted in print

The Annual City Census Form is due to hit households shortly.  Please contact the Elections Office with any questions 781-979-4125

The census provides an accurate list of residents in the city, and a record of current address for registered voters.  Information collected includes: 
 Name | Address | Date of Birth | Occupation.   
 
It is important to return the census forms because:
  • It is the law.
  • It establishes legal residence in the City of Melrose and serves as proof of residency to qualify for veteran’s benefits and in-state tuition at state schools.
  • It is used to create the annual street list.
  • It is used to assist public safety officials and emergency responders.
  • It is used to apply for grants.
  • It is used to assist the City and State in calculating state and federal aid.
  • It is used to project future school enrollment and cost.

This is a public record except information regarding children under the age of 17 years and that of Public Safety (Police and Fire) members. 

It is particularly important for voters to respond so that they can remain active.  If you do not return your census you are placed on the state “Inactive List” and will need to complete an “Affirmation of Current and Continuous Residence” form and show identification before voting.  Also, if you do not have voting activity for two (2) State elections, then you are deleted from the voter list entirely.  

The Office of Jury Commissioner relies upon census information to produce a complete and accurate Numbered Resident List each year and to ensure that Massachusetts jury pools are made up of the most diverse and representative cross-section of the population as possible.  Failure to create sufficiently representative jury pools would threaten the validity of jury verdicts, the right to a fair and impartial trial and ultimately public faith in the justice system.  The legal requirements are set forth in Massachusetts General laws Chapter 51, section 4 and chapter 234A section 10.

The Federal Census

The Federal Census occurs every ten years, at the beginning of each decade. The census takers collect demographics from every family member in each household throughout our City as to show the make-up of that community, such as: name, address, date of birth, occupation, race, nationality and income.  It is critical that all residents in the city get counted in the federal census, regardless of age or citizenship status.  The information collected from this census is used to determine federal and state funding grants for the city and school district. The information collected is confidential, and identifying information is not shared with other government agencies. 

The federal census results also determine voter populace-- specifically the size and location boundaries of wards and precincts in a voter district, and number of legislators that may be elected to that community.