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Town Clerk
Welcome to the Town Clerk's Webpage
Often considered the doorway to local government, the Town Clerk's office responds to inquiries and serves as the central information point for residents and visitors alike.
Annual Town Census were mailed in January. Please return to the Town Clerk's office as soon as possible.
2023 Annual Dog Licenses were due by March 1st. If you are licensing your dog after March 1st, late fees will apply. For details, please click on the Dog Licensing and Regulations Tab.
The Annual Town Meeting was held on Monday, May 8th, 2023. Town meeting "doings" can be viewed online by clicking here.
The Annual Town Election was on Tuesday, May 16th, from 9am to 7pm, at the Orleans Council on Aging, 150 Rock Harbor Road. Results of the election can be viewed online by clicking here.
Voter Registration:
To Register to Vote, please either click HERE, or come visit the Town Clerk's office during normal business hours.
Looking to Vote by Mail or obtain an Absentee Ballot Application? Click on the link below to print out the form and submit it to the Town Clerk's Office
*You do not need to re-register if you are a current voter*
The Town Clerk serves you in the following capacities:
Chief Election Official: supervises voter registration, oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections as well as directs the preparation of ballots, polling places, voting equipment, voting lists, administers campaign finance laws, certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions, and serves on the Board of Registrars. The Clerk conducts the annual town census and prepares the street list of residents.
Recording Officer: records and certifies all official actions of the Town, including Town Meeting legislation and appropriations, election results, Planning and Zoning Board decisions, signs all notes for borrowing and the keeps of the town seal. The Town Clerk attests by signature and seal to bonds, contracts, bylaws, resolutions and any other documents requiring town certification.
Licensing Officer: issues marriage licenses, business certificates, dog licenses, shellfish permits, underground fuel storage registrations and raffle permits.
Registrar of Vital Statistics: keeps all official records of births, deaths, and marriages, providing the basis for the Commonwealth's central vital registration system.
Public Records Officer: provides certified copies of vital records and is responsible for maintenance, disposition, and preservation of municipal archival records and materials. The Town Clerk maintains the official town bulletin board and the calendar for the scheduling of meetings of any town board, commission or committee (including subcommittees). Pursuant to MGL Chapter 39, Section 23B, such meetings are open to the public and must be held in a building accessible to the public. Board, Committee and Commission meeting minutes are filed with the Town Clerk.
The Town Clerk administers the oath of office to all town officials, whether they are elected or appointed. The Town Clerk and the Assistant Town Clerk are Notaries Public and Commissioners to Qualify Public Officers.