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Voting FAQs

Information for Voters from the Secretary of the Commonwealth

How do I register to vote?

Voter registration has never been easier than it is today. You may register:

You may visit the Town Clerk's Office at the Butterick Municipal Building and complete a voter registration form. Mail-in forms also may be obtained by calling the State Elections Division at (800) 462-VOTE or requesting a form via email. The state registries of motor vehicles, social service agencies and military recruitment offices also provide voter registration services.

You will remain on the voter list each year if you complete the Annual Census. If you move to another city or town, you must register in that city or town. Voter rolls do not automatically transfer when you move. 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 is a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

Are there deadlines for registering to vote?

You must register to vote at least 10 days before any Town or State election.

For Special Town Elections or Special Town Meetings, the deadline is 10 days prior.

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 each year after January 20th. Please call for availability and deadlines. Candidates running for town wide office require 43 valid signatures to be on the ballot.  Please note that you will be asked to file (3) campaign finance forms when you take office:

  • 8 days prior to the Town Election
  • 30 days after the Town Election and
  • end of year report that first year (due January 20th)

What Voting District is Sterling in?

  • U. S. Congress - Second Congressional District.
  • State Senate - Worcester and Hampshire District
  • State House of Representatives - Twelfth Worcester District
  • 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
  •  Candidacy