ATHOL — The town of Athol is conducting its annual 2020 town-wide census. Census forms have already been mailed to all households.
Residents should return the forms as soon as is convenient. According to a statement, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 51, Section 4 requires that the name, current address, date of birth, occupation, nationality (if not a United States citizen) and address must be obtained for all residents.
It is important to complete and return the census form, as the information is used to project school and public safety needs, certification of residence, excise tax abatements, veterans’ and senior services as well as voting status, the statement says. Failure to respond to the census will result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls.
Completed and signed census forms can be mailed back to the clerk’s office in the envelope that’s provided, emailed to townclerk@townofathol.org or dropped off at the office. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 to 8 p.m. Offices are closed on Friday. Any resident who does not receive a census form or has a question should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 978-249-4551.