*Update from the Wellesley town clerk:

The list of people who have obtained nomination papers for town wide offices is now on the website. http://www.wellesleyma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8943

The Recreation Commission needs one more candidate for either a full or partial term. All other offices have at least one candidate if all people return their papers by January 16.

The deadline to obtain papers for Town Wide positions is FRIDAY January 12 by 5 pm.

Nomination papers:

It’s time to obtain nomination papers for residents who plan to run for office in the March 6 Town election.

For town wide boards (Selectmen, School Committee, Assessors, Public Work, Recreation, NRC, Library, Planning, Health, Town Clerk, Moderator) papers need to be obtained by Friday, January 12.

For Town Meeting Member in every precinct, residents have until January 26 to obtain nomination papers.

The list of people who have obtained nomination papers for town wide offices is now on the town website

The Recreation Commission needs one more candidate for either a full or partial term. All other offices have at least one candidate if all people indicating their interest return their papers by January 16.

Wellesley depends on the skills of its residents to govern our community. Town Wide boards each have a specific area portfolio to set policy and manage programs. Town Meeting is the legislative arm of the town and meets in March/April to appropriate budgets, act on major capital projects and amend the town bylaws and zoning bylaws. 240 representatives vote in Town Meeting on all the critical issues for our town. Each precinct will elect 10 members. Many incumbents run again, but every precinct has open seats available for newcomers. This is a great way to learn how the town is managed and to participate in governance. Town Meeting meets Monday and Tuesday nights beginning March 26 until the items up for vote have been decided. Typically this is six sessions, (three weeks) although more or fewer sessions can happen in any specific year.

Please call town clerk Kathy Nagle at 781-431-1019 ext. 2250 if you have any questions about running for municipal office.

Annual town census:

The Town Clerk is now processing the annual town census, which was mailed to each residence in early January. Return of the census preserves your active status as a voter. We request that the census document be signed and returned by February 1. The town uses this information for public safety, school population projections, and other town services. Also by returning the census you verify your current residency, which might be important in the future if this is an issue for veteran’s bonus or claim of funds from insurance or other sources. Please return the census in the blue envelope provided or drop off at town hall. The results of the census are published in an annual List of Residents.

Dog licensing:

The Town Clerk is accepting registrations and renewals for dog licensing for 2018. The renewal form is on the bottom of the census or you can just send the information and a check for the fees to the Town Clerk. All dogs older than 6 months must be registered by April 1, 2018.