Ashland, MA

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Town Clerk

1. Can I get my birth certificate here if I was born in another State but lived here for 20 years?: No. Births do not cross State Lines. Nor do any other Vital Records. i.e. marriage or death certificates.

2. Where do I file for a marriage license?: At any City or Town Clerk’s Office in the State and be married anywhere in the State but the record will always remain in the Town in which you filed. The couple must file their intentions together in person at the Clerk’s Office. The current filing fee is $40. Tara M. Ward, Town Clerk is a Justice of the Peace. Please contact her at 508-881-0101 to make an appointment for your special day.

3. Who are my Local State Representatives?: State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis from Framingham
Board of Selectmen.

6. Why did my precinct change?: Due to the 2000 Federal Census, changes were made to accommodate an additional precinct. The precincts must be equal; it is based on population. Please remember to fill out your census form each year. It is mailed to each household. Please include all children on the census form.
I don’t want any information from my census form to be distributed to anyone without my prior consent. I actually want it on file with the Town Clerk only.

7. I don’t want any information from my census form to be distributed to anyone without my prior consent. I actually want it on file with the Town Clerk only. Why can’t I do that?: The Law states that the information is a public record unless you are a Public Safety Official.

8. When is the next Town Meeting and Town Election?: Town Meeting and Town Elections are held at the Ashland High School, 65 East Union St. Tuesday May 15, 2018 - First Night of the Annual Town Meeting begins at 7:00 PM sharp. Wednesday May 2, 2018 - Annual Town Election on May 15 - Polls open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
Town Clerk's Page.

9. Why am I not listed as a registered voter?: You must fill out a voter registration form. The law states that a voter may be dropped after four years of no activity including not returning your annual census form.

10. Do I have to file a business certificate with the Town?: Yes. M.G.L. Chapter 110 states that anyone doing business under a name other than their own is required to file a DBA (doing business as) certificate in the Town the business is in. If you were incorporated, you would file with the Secretary of State in Boston. Please contact the Building Inspector at 508-881-0100, ext. 641. He must sign off on all business certificates are home-based businesses prior to filing with the Town Clerk.

11. I have a dog. Why do I have to register him?: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Sections 137 and 137A states that you must license a dog. You must license the dog beginning at 6 months of age. Please include an updated rabies certificate and if the dog is spayed/neutered we will need that certificate as well. All paperwork that you submit will be returned with the license. If licensing the dog by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Currently the fees are $15 for spayed/neutered dogs and $20 for intact dogs. Licensing begins January and you must license your dog by April 15th. If a dog is not licensed by April 15th you will be subject to a late fee of $50 per dog plus the license fee per the town bylaw.

12. I work all week. How can I come in when your hours are similar to mine?: We are open until 7:00 PM Wednesday evenings or you may send us a self-addressed stamped envelope; we will be pleased to accommodate you via the mail. With the exception of a marriage intention.

13. I need documents notarized. Where do I go?: The Town Clerk’s Office. The current fee is $1.25 per signature. Please bring a valid ID you when you come. Do not sign the documents prior to your visit.

14. I just became a Notary Public. I need to be sworn in. Where do I go?: The Town Clerk’s Office. Please make an appointment to take your oath because two people must be present. There is no charge for this service.