Southwick Town Town Clerk Michelle L. Hill checks a voting machine in preparation for the 2012 United States presidential election.(File photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Town Clerk Michelle Hill is encouraging all residents to complete their census forms.
The 2014 annual census was mailed this week and its completion is essential to compile data on the town’s population, tied to voter registration.
“If you don’t fill out your census, you will become an inactive voter and eventually be taken off the rolls,” said Hill. “People need to understand it’s part of being an active voter.”
Many state grants depend on population and Hill said the most accurate information is needed to be eligible for grants.
Massachusetts law requires communities to take an annual census.
“It’s also important for the Board of Selectmen to be looking at this information,” said Hill.
Hill said the census is helpful for the school department to determine the number of potential students coming into the department. It can also help the town accurate to define the growing senior population and how to best serve all residents.
Hill said she has received some census forms but she hopes for a bigger return.
“We want to have this wrapped up by April,” said Hill. “We use it for the street list for the annual election.”
If you have not received your census, Hill asks that residents help with cost savings and print the form available at www.southwickma.org/clerk. As a reminder, you can renew your 2014 dog license through the census forms by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope and all required information stated on the back of the census form.
The Town Clerk’s Office is available 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
