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SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — As Election Day draws near, a little-known state law could make voting a hassle for some Southborough residents.
Voters who have not filled out their annual town census are considered inactive voters, according to Massachusetts General Law.
Although not automatically barred from voting, anyone on the inactive voter list who goes to the polls must fill out an affirmation of current or continuous residency, signed under penalty of perjury. In addition, you must have proof of residency. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license or a bill or pay stub with a current mailing address. By law, election officials must challenge a voter's ballot if he or she cannot provide acceptable identification.
To avoid this Election Day headache, to call the town clerk’s office at 508-485-0710 and ask to check your registration status. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; from 8 a.m. to noon Fridays.
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