From The Seekonk Town Clerk

You may have noticed the days are getting longer. Don’t forget to “spring forward” on Sunday, March 8^th. Spring officially arrives on March 20th and hopefully by then we will begin to see the daffodils and crocus in bloom, or at least hope the snow melts by then.

TOWN HALL HOURS FOR FEBRUARY

Town Offices will be closed to observe President’s Day on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Please mark your calendars for our ANNUAL SEEKONK TOWN ELECTION. It will be held on MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 at the Seekonk High School (gymnasium), 261 Arcade Avenue from 7:00AM-8:00PM

Have you ever thought about making a difference in your community? Now could be that time to get involved and share your ideas. Nomination papers are available in the Town Clerk’s office. The deadline to return completed nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s office is Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 5:00PM. You must obtain a minimum of 50 signatures from Seekonk registered voters. A street address (not P.O. Box) is required from each person signing your papers. Please make sure the signatures and addresses are legible, otherwise they cannot be counted.

Elected positions for the April 6, 2026 Annual Town Election

• One Board of Assessors – 3 year term
• Two Board of Library Trustees – 3 year term
• One Planning Board – 5 year term
• One School Committee – 3 year term
• Two Select Board – 3 year term
• One Town Clerk– 3 year term
• One Town Moderator – 3 year term
• One Water Commission – 3 year term

The Specimen/Sample Ballot for the town election is expected to be available in early March and will be posted online on the Town Clerk’s page, in Town Hall, Human Services, and at the Seekonk Public Library.

If you are not a registered voter, the last day to register for the town election is March 28, 2026.

ABSENTEE  AND MAIL-IN BALLOT REQUESTS - MUST BE COMPLETED YEARLY

Forms can be found on the Town Clerk’s webpage at https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/280/Town-Clerk or by calling our office (508) 336-2920.

If you want to be put on the2026 absentee or mail-in ballot mailing list, please fill out the required form and check off "for all elections". If you know you will be out of town for a certain election you can request an absentee or mail-in ballot for that election only.

To qualify as an absentee voter:

• You will be away from your town on Election Day
• You have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling location on Election Day
• You have a disability that prevents you from voting at your polling location
• You are on active military duty
• You are a U.S. citizen living outside the U.S.
• You are requesting an emergency absentee ballot due to hospitalization
• You are currently incarcerated for a reason other than a felony conviction

ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS

The 2026 Annual Town Census was mailed to every household at the end of January. Along with the census, a list of upcoming town events was included. Any changes or updates to the calendar will be made on the Town’s website, Facebook/Instagram pages, and the Seekonk Reporter.

What is the town census and why is it important? The census form contains information of all members in a household. It is important data that helps the town:

• Maintain accurate and current voter registrations;
• Apply for grants to offset costs or fund projects;
• Project further school enrollment and school registration;
• Assist public safety in responding to emergency calls;
• Assist the town and state in calculating state and federal aid;
• Serve as proof of residency for in-state college tuition, job applications, adoption, military/veteran/social security benefits, etc.

As per Mass General Law Chapter 51, §4, failure to respond to the census mailing for two consecutive years will result in removal from the active voting list and you will be placed on an “inactive” voting list. If the Town Clerk’s Office does not have proof you reside in Seekonk, you may be asked to show proof of residency and sign an Affirmation of Current and Continuous Residence form at an election.

The census form does not include social security numbers or financial information.

Please update and/or make any changes to the form, sign, and return it to us within 10 days of receipt. Even if there are not any changes, the form still needs to be signed and returned to the Town Clerk’s office.

Please note, completing a census form does not register you to vote. If you are a registered voter, there will be a party affiliation by your name (i.e. D, R, U, etc.). Updates to your party affiliation can be made in person at our office or by going online to https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/. 

Please note, the Annual Town election is a non-partisan election. Party enrollment only impacts the ballot you receive in a Primary election.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DOG LICENSING PROCUDURES

The Town Clerk’s Office is now processing dog licensing ONLINE!  Please visit the Town Clerk’s page on the Town of Seekonk website and select “Apply for a Dog License.”

The benefits to online processing include important expiration & renewal reminders that are sent directly to your e-mail, quick & easy payments, communication directly to the Town Clerk’s team regarding the license and ability to print copies of your license any time for doggy daycare, boarding or grooming services. Payments can still be made in-person or by mail, but the licensing process does now require online registration. If you choose to mail your payment and have your license returned by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.

Fees for licensing: Spayed/Neutered = $10 per dog, Un-Spayed/Un-Neutered = $20 per dog.  Licensing fees are waived for residents over the age of 70, however late fees & violation fines will still apply.

Massachusetts General Law requires dogs to be licensed annually, with proof of current rabies vaccination. SEEKONK DOG TAGS EXPIRE MARCH 31st.  Failure to comply will result in issuance of M.G.L. violation & fine.  If your license remains delinquent after May 31st, late fees of $25 per dog will also apply.

If you have any difficulty completing your application online, please call us and we are happy to walk you through the process over the phone OR you can stop by our office with your valid rabies certificate and we can assist you at our kiosk station.

Reminders

“I Voted” Sticker Contest closed on January 14^th. We received 78 submissions. We want to thank all the students who participated in the contest, as well as the School Department and Library who helped promote the contest and distribute the forms to their students.

Our judging panel are busy reviewing all submissions and the winners will be announced at the February 18, 2026 Select Board meeting* (date subject to change). The winning designs will be printed and distributed to voters at the April 6, 2026 Town Election.

As always, please contact us (508) 336-2920 or by email at townclerk@seekonk-ma.gov should you have any questions. Thank you.

~Kristen and Shandra