Town of Wenham, Massachusetts

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Presidential Primary, Tuesday, March 5, 2024 7AM-8PM

CERTIFIED Results Presidential Primary March 5, 2024
Town of Wenham Unofficial Results Presidential Primary March 5, 2024

Do you have a plan for voting in the March 5^th Presidential primary? Wenham voters may cast their ballots in person during several days of early voting prior to election day, on election day, or by requesting a Vote by Mail or Absentee ballot.

Please click here to view the Democratic Ballot 
Please click here to view the Libertarian Ballot 
Please click here to view the Republican Ballot

In January, Massachusetts sent out Vote by Mail postcards to every registered voter. If you are using this card, please make sure yours is signed, dated, and you've checked off which elections and which party ballot you are choosing (if you are unenrolled in a political party you must choose a Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian ballot).  To Vote by Mail in the March 5th primary, these are due back to the Wenham Town Clerk by February 27 at 5PM. You may mail, drop off in person, or drop in our drop box at Town Hall. Please note the Early Voting hours for the Presidential Primary, posted at the left. We have lots of options if you are away on Election Day! The voter registration deadline for the Presidential Primary is Saturday, February 24, which is also the first day of in person early voting at Town Hall. We will be open on 2/24 for voting and voter registration only from 9AM-5PM.

Apply for a Vote by Mail ballot online through the MA Elections Division


Run for Office in Wenham!

Wenham’s Annual Town Election will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Wenham Town Hall from 7:00AM – 8:00 PM. The Town Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce nomination papers for the 2024 Annual Town Election have been available in the Town Clerk’s office since Monday, January 16, 2024 and are due back by February 22nd at 5PM. Open seats will be:

• Moderator, one seat for a three-year term
• Select Board, one seat for a three-year term
• Board of Assessors, one seat for a three-year term
• Board of Health, one seat for a three-year term
• H/W Library Board of Trustees, two seats for a three-year term – at large
• H/W Regional School Committee, two seats for a three-term and one seat for a two year term – all at large
• Planning Board, one seat for a five-year term
• Water Commissioner, one seat for a three-year term
• Housing Authority, one seat for a five-year term
• Housing Authority, one seat for a four-year term (NEW!)

Nomination papers must be returned to the Wenham Town Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024. To get your name on the ballot, nomination papers must be certified with at least 21 signatures of Wenham voters (40 for School Committee). It is suggested you obtain at least 10-20 additional signatures in case a few are not able to be certified by the Town Clerk’s office. If you are interested running for a Wenham office for 2024 and have questions regarding the nomination/election process, please call the Town Clerk’s office at 978-468-5520 x1 or email townclerk@wenhamma.gov.

If you are new to town, or you have never registered to vote before, the last date to register for the annual election is March 27, 2024. This date applies to both the Annual Town Meeting (Saturday, April 6, 2024) and the Annual Town Election on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Town Clerk’s office will be open until 5:00 PM on March 27th, or you can register online at mass.gov/vote

Seeking Election Officers for 2024
2024 is a big year for elections with a Presidential Primary on March 5, Town Meeting on April 6, All Town Election on April 11, a State Primary September 3), and the Presidential General Election on November 5. Please consider becoming an Election Officer to help on election day or during Early Voting periods. Volunteer, paid, and Senior Tax Write Off hours are available for US citizens ages 16+.

Apply to be a Wenham Election Officer here!

Justice of the Peace
Our Town Clerk is now a Justice of the Peace able to legally conduct weddings anywhere in Massachusetts! Fees are $100 within Wenham and $150 outside of Wenham. Contact Town Clerk Kirsten Alexander for details. 

Dog Licenses
Look for your 2024 Dog License application on the back of your household census form, arriving in your mailbox in late December/early January. Please return both by February 1st! (Late? We are still happy to get your dog license and census paperwork! File your dog license paperwork and pay online 24/7--we will mail you your dog's license and tag.

Wenham loves its dogs, but they do need a current license and quite a few do not have them! Please check to see if your pup(s) have 2024 tags. You can complete the application and pay online here or complete this fillable form and return to the Wenham Town Clerk ASAP with a check or cash. The fee is $15 for neutered dogs and $20 for intact dogs. If you are age 70 or older, there is no fee to register up to three dog(s), however you DO NEED A DOG TAG! If your dog has passed away, please let us know at townclerk@wenhamma.gov so we can update the database.

Having current dog tags isn't just the law, it protects all our dogs--if they get loose (like mine does from time to time!), they can be identified by the Animal Control Officer and we can be sure they are up to date with rabies vaccinations.

Update Your Voter Registration
2024 is a big election year! Don't wait to register or update your voter registration if you have moved, changed your name, or wish to change your party affiliation. It's simple to check your current voter registration status and make changes online through the MA Elections Division at http://www.registertovotema.com/ . Updating your voter registration online or at the DMV will also update your Annual Census status and you will no longer be listed as inactive. You'll receive a letter from the Town Clerk acknowledging any changes to your voter registration status. 

If you want to request a 2024 Vote by Mail, UOCAVA, or Absentee ballot, please do so starting January 1, 2024.

Elections & Voting

Massachusetts has a centralized voter database across all cities and towns. Changes to your driver's license will be reflected in your voter registration as well. In January, please promptly respond to Wenham's annual census so that you aren't listed as an inactive voter and let the Clerk's office know if you move in or out of Wenham. The Massachusetts Elections Division/Secretary of State has a web site where you can check and update your status in the central database:

Check your voter registration status
Register to vote online
Change your name, address, or party affiliation
Apply for a Vote by Mail ballot (no reason required- must re-apply each calendar year)
Apply for an Absentee ballot (specific reasons required--re-apply each calendar year or for specific elections)

Notary Services 

Notary services are available by appointment  or chance. Please call or email in advance to make sure the notary will be available. Click here for notary guidelines.

DPW Receipts

DPW Receipts: Currently being taken at the Finance window! If the Finance window is closed, please see Sheila Bouvier on the 2^nd floor for DPW receipts (mattresses, metal, etc. to be dropped at Iron Rail.). See here for pricing. If the item you are trying to recycle is not on the list, contact Sheila at 978-468-5520 x6. Mattresses are free for Wenham residents but do require a receipt from the Town Clerk. Drop off for paid items is the first Saturday of the month from 8-12 at 91 Grapevine Rd. Mattresses with receipts may be dropped off on Tuesday/Wednesday from 8-2 at 91 Grapevine Rd. Please bring an ID with your Wenham address on it when you pick up your receipt. We are only able to take checks and cash at this time.

Pleasant Pond Parking Passes
Thank you for a great 2023 Pleasant Pond season! We hope you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for 2024 Pleasant Pond Parking Passes and opportunities to purchase online. We will mail your passes for your convenience. 


About the Office of the Town Clerk

Often considered the gateway to local government and the community, the Office of the Town Clerk serves as the central information point for residents and visitors alike.  It is the mission of this office to be a reliable provider of information and quality services to the community and its residents, and to work cooperatively and in concert with all departments, boards, and committees while complying with state and local statutes.

The Town Clerk's office welcomes inquiries seeking assistance/information in relation to services provided by the Town. We will assist in redirecting any question to the appropriate department. The staff and phone extension list is available here.

Many transactions can be completed online (with credit card or echeck) or by mail. In person payments must be made by cash or check. 

On City Hall Systems (https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/ you can order and pay by credit card for:

• Dog licenses (free for seniors age 70+!)
• Official copies of existing vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates)
• Pleasant Pond Beach Parking Passes (Hamilton and Wenham residents, senior discount!)

In person, residents can pay by check or cash to do all of the above plus:

• Register a new to Wenham dog
• Take out papers to run for office and get sworn in once appointed or elected
• Voter registration (done automatically when you change your address with the Registry of Moter Vehicles)
• New resident information, advice, and census form
• Raffle Permits
• Buy a copy of the Annual Street List book
• Public records requests
• Wenham history or genealogy queries  
• Obtain a receipt for materials to dispose of at the DPW at the Iron Rail (91 Grapevine Road)
• Take out marital intentions to get a marriage license (appointments preferred)
• File a Business certificate (DBA)

Duties of the Town Clerk
The Town Clerk is the Chief Election Official. The Clerk supervises voter registration, oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections. The Clerk directs the preparation of ballots, polling places, voting equipment, voting lists, administers campaign finance laws, certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions, and serves on the Board of Registrars. The Clerk's office conducts the annual town census and prepares the street list of residents.