City of New Bedford to Conduct Street List Census

The 2015 Street List Census is underway in New Bedford and city officials urge residents to be on the lookout for the white envelope with the official Elections logo which contains the census forms. Census forms must be completed and returned to the New Bedford Election Commission Office. Mayor Jon Mitchell called upon all New Bedford residents to participate in the Street List Census by thoroughly and promptly completing the forms and returning them to the Elections Office.

“The census data is important information for our City. The census helps us to maintain the most accurate and updated voter list as well as information regarding our population,” Mayor Mitchell. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 51, Sec. 4 requires local registrars of voters to conduct the local census or street listing. The primary purpose of the Street Listing Census is to update the active voting list and remove the names of those individuals who no longer reside in the city. The census also collects information so that residents may verify their residency for any permit or license including, liquor licenses, shellfish permits, firearms permits, or for other purposes including employment, veteran’s benefits, Mass Health and other privileges.

In addition, the information gathered through the census allows City to better meet the transportation, health and nourishment needs for our residents. All residents, regardless of voter registration status, are required to complete the census. Instructions are provided in three languages, English, Portuguese and Spanish. Residents are asked to make any corrections necessary, add or delete, sign the form and return it the City Elections Office within 10 days. State law indicates that residents who fail to respond to the census may be dropped from the City’s voting list.

Election Commissioner Maria Tomasia reminds voters that in responding to the census they will avoid complications at the polls. “Voting is a right and privilege but the responsibility of registering and maintaining current voter status lies with the individual,” she said. On the back side of the form, residents will find a list of supermarkets where drop-off boxes are located for their convenience. Additionally, residents may return the completed census forms at the City of New Bedford white collection box located on Elm Street between Pleasant and Sixth Streets.

Residents can also mail the census forms back to the Board of Election Commissioners in the envelope provided. New Bedford residents with questions about the census forms may contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1421.