By now you've probably received your annual local census form in the mail. I've already made our household official for the year, returning the form to the North Adams City Clerk's office where I took the opportunity to wish clerk Marilyn Gomeau a "Happy Retirement" and extend best wishes to her successor, Deborah Pedercini.

The census is mandated by Massachusetts General Law. Adams Town Clerk Haley Meczywor is reminding residents that participation is important, as a proper resident count is essential for the town's applications for state aid and grants. You're asked to review the info on the form for accuracy, make any necessary changes and, even if there are none, to sign and return it promptly to the Town Clerk's office by mail or by using the handy drop-off box at Town Hall.

Meczywor also said that the information about dependent children in the household is not public record and is used only by schools for enrollment purposes.

You can't use the census form to register to vote or change party affiliation. However, you can be removed from the town's active voters list if you fail to respond to the census.

So if you're a Mass. household which hasn't yet received a 2019 town census form, give your local clerk's office a call. In Adams, that number would be 413-743-8300, Ext. 176 Monday through Thursday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Meczywor also says that Adams residents unable to return the form may call her office at that number to report their info by phone.

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