Where do I vote and when are the polls open?
The polling place is at 32 Boutelle Road, HOUGHTON SCHOOL gym.
OUT OF TOWN ON ELECTION DAY? You may vote by absentee ballot at the Town Clerk’s Office upto 12 noon the DAY BEFORE the Election. If you wish an absentee ballot mailed, you must complete an application. The application is available online or at the Town Clerk’s Office.
Polls are open:
Town Elections |
7:00am – 8:00pm |
State Elections/ Primaries |
7:00am – 8:00pm |
Presidential Elections |
7:00am to 8:00pm |
How do I register to vote?
Voter registration in Sterling has never been easier than it is today. You may visit the Town Clerk's Office in Sterling at MaryEllen Butterick Municipal Building and complete a voter registration form in person. You may also register by mail. Mail-in voter registration forms are available at the Butterick Building and various other locations throughout the state. Mail-in forms also may be obtained by calling the State Elections Division at (800) 462-VOTE or requesting a form via email to townclerk@sterling-ma.gov, the state registries of motor vehicles, social service agencies and
military recruitment offices also provides voter registration services.
Any person who is a Massachusetts resident, a United States citizen and will be eighteen years old as of the next election is eligible to register to vote. The penalty for fraudulent registration increased recently to a fine of ten thousand dollars or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
You will remain on the list of voters so long as you complete and return the annual municipal census or vote regularly. If you move to another city or town, you must re-register in your new community.
Are there deadlines for registering to vote?
You must register to vote at least twenty days before any Town or State election or the Presidential Primary and ten days prior to any special town meeting or election.
Who can run for public office?
Any person who is a Sterling resident and a registered voter may obtain nomination papers for the May Annual Town Election ballot from the Town Clerk's Office. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s office, Please call for availability and deadlines. Candidates running for town wide office require a number of signatures to be put on the ballot, please call the Town Clerk’s Office for the most current number (978) 422-8111.
What Voting District is Sterling in?
U. S. Congress - First Congressional District in MA
State Senate - Worcester and Middlesex District
State House of Representatives - First Worcester District (Precinct 1) and Twelfth Worcester District (Precinct 2)
MA District Attorney - Middle District
Governor’s Council - Seventh District
How do I run a Write-In Campaign?
If you missed the opportunity to pick up nomination papers before the deadline, you may run on a sticker or write-in campaign. Notify the Town Clerk's Office of your intention to run with the following information:
 Name, Address,
Position you intend to run for
Please note that you will be required to file your campaign finance forms. These forms are due 8 days prior to the election, 30 days after, as well as a year end filing which will be mailed in Jan. of the following year.
In order to be considered a viable candidate on Election Day you must receive the number of votes that was required to have your name placed on the ballot. That number is 1% of the total number of people who voted in the last race for governor in this town. If you win the seat you may either accept, or decline the nomination. If you accept, you must submit a letter to the town clerk of your acceptance and you must be sworn in before you may attend of any board or committee meeting in an official capacity.
Please contact the clerk's office for more information at 978-422-8111.
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