What you need to know to run for office in 2025, nomination papers available

Is it too soon to think about the March 22 town election? It might be for some, but nomination papers for public office are now available at Winchester Town Hall — and time is ticking to return them.

Town Clerk MaryEllen Marshall recently put out an announcement telling Winchester residents just how to go about running for office, if they’re interested.

It’s an easier process than you might imagine to become a candidate.

First, you have to be a registered voter at your Winchester address. Second, you have to appear in person at Town Hall on or before 5 p.m. on Jan. 29 to register as an official candidate.

Then circulate your nomination papers and gather 50 valid signatures from anyone in town who is a registered voter or just 10 valid signatures from Town Meeting members.

Make sure to return your signed nomination papers on or before 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 “by postmark USPS mail, or drop box, to the Town Clerk’s Office for approval.”

And of course, decide whether or not you will establish a Candidate Committee to promote your election campaign.

Lastly, get out there and campaign!

Still anxious? Marshall can help.

“You can simply stop by the Town Clerk’s Office to fill out the paperwork to become a candidate for election,” Marshall said, in her announcement. “The Town Clerk’s staff will walk you through the process and send you home with your packet of educational material on becoming a candidate for local office.”

Have you made a decision? Here’s what you need to know about the following office on the ballot for March 22:

• Moderator (1 seat) — 1-year term

• Select Board (2 seats) — 3-year term

• Board of Assessor (1 seat) — 3-year term

• Board of Health (1 seat) — 3-year term

• Planning Board (1 seat) — 3-year term

• School Committee (2 seats) — 3-year term

• Board of Library Trustees (2 seats) — 3-year term

• Housing Authority (1 seat) — 5-year term.

In addition, in each of the town’s eight precincts, eight 3-year Town Meeting member terms will be on the ballot for a total of 64 seats. There is one seat for a two-year term for Precinct 5 due to a resignation.

Incumbent Town Meeting members are not required to obtain signatures. The Town Clerk’s staff mailed out letters to incumbents on Dec. 16, 2024 with instructions if they would like to appear on the ballot.

The last day to take out nomination papers for any office is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Signed nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office for certification no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

“If you are interested in running for office, or if you are interested to see who may be running, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-721-7130 or email us at townclerk@winchester.us if you have questions,” Marshall said.

Election Calendar
What do you need to know about upcoming town elections? Here are some important dates to remember:

• Jan. 21 — Year-end Campaign Finance Reports due, 5 p.m. (Previous townwide candidates and ballot question committees with available funds) (MGL 55§18)

• Jan. 24 — Last day for incumbent Town Meeting members to become a candidate for re-election, by giving written notice to the Town Clerk, 5 p.m. (MGL 53§10); Home Rule Charter Article 2 Section 2-3(b)

• Jan. 29 — Last day to obtain nomination papers, 5 p.m. (MGL 53§9A)

• Jan. 31 — Last day for candidate to submit nomination papers to Registrar of Voters for certification, 5 p.m. (MGL 53§7)

• Feb. 14 — Last day for Registrar of Voters to submit completed nomination papers to the Town Clerk, 12 noon

• Feb. 19 — Last day to object to or withdraw from candidacy, 5 p.m. (MGL 55B§7)

• Feb. 20 — Ballot position drawing at Town Clerk’s Office, 4 p.m. (Charter 7-11(b))

• Feb. 21 — Ballot goes to the printer

• March 12 — Deadline to register to vote

• March 14 — Campaign Finance Report due (townwide candidates who have formed a candidate committee for the town election), 12 noon (MGL 55§18)

• March 14 — Last day to post the Annual Town Election Warrant

• March 17 — Deadline to apply for Vote by Mail ballot, 5 p.m.

• March 21 — Deadline to apply for Absentee Ballot, 12 noon (MGL 54§89)

• March 22 — ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION (Code of By-Laws 3:1) Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Code of By-laws 3§2)

• April 22 — Campaign Finance Reports due (townwide candidates), 5 p.m. (MGL 55§18)